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SSA can END your benefits by doing this.
1:40:51

SSA can END your benefits by doing this.

Social Security Disability Benefit Videos SSI SSDI

6 chapters7 takeaways10 key terms5 questions

Overview

This video explains how advancements in medical technology, particularly cures for various impairments, could impact Social Security disability benefits in the future. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a rule, 'failure to follow prescribed treatment,' which could be used to terminate benefits if a claimant doesn't adhere to treatments that could restore their ability to work. The video details this rule, its conditions, and numerous strategies for claimants to counter its application, especially as new, effective treatments emerge. It also outlines five key technologies poised to revolutionize medicine and potentially 'cure' conditions currently qualifying for disability, emphasizing the importance of staying informed to protect one's benefits.

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Chapters

  • New technologies are rapidly developing that could cure or significantly improve impairments currently qualifying for disability benefits.
  • The SSA may use the 'failure to follow prescribed treatment' rule to terminate benefits when effective cures become available.
  • The goal of these technologies is not necessarily a complete cure, but to reduce an impairment's severity to a point where it no longer meets disability criteria.
  • Claimants need to be aware of these advancements and the SSA's potential actions to protect their financial stability.
Understanding how medical advancements can affect disability benefits is crucial for claimants to proactively safeguard their financial support.
Sickle cell anemia is mentioned as a condition that is expected to be largely 'cured' and in the history books within 2-3 years due to new treatments.
  • This SSA rule allows for the denial or cessation of disability benefits if a claimant, without good cause, fails to follow prescribed treatment expected to restore their ability to work.
  • The rule applies only if three conditions are met: the claimant is otherwise entitled to benefits, a treating medical source prescribed specific treatment for the impairment, and the claimant did not follow that treatment.
  • The SSA does not need to fully cure an impairment; reducing its severity from 'severe' to 'moderate' or 'mild' can be sufficient grounds to terminate benefits.
  • This rule is not widely used currently but is expected to be applied much more frequently in the future.
Knowing the specific conditions under which the SSA can terminate benefits due to non-adherence to treatment is vital for claimants to avoid losing their income.
A doctor prescribes a cream for a skin condition, and the claimant fails to apply it, potentially leading to benefit termination if all three conditions of the rule are met.
  • Challenge the evidence linking the impairment directly to the prescribed treatment and question the treatment's statistical success rate.
  • Ensure that any recommended treatment is clearly and definitively prescribed by a treating medical source, not just a suggestion.
  • If a treatment has potential negative side effects or risks, ensure this is documented by a medical professional.
  • Utilize defenses such as religious exemptions, prohibitive cost, incapacity to follow treatment, or disagreement with the treating source's prognosis.
  • Lifestyle recommendations like diet or exercise alone do not typically qualify as 'prescribed treatment' under this rule.
Claimants can employ various strategies to demonstrate good cause for not following a treatment, thereby protecting their disability benefits.
If a doctor suggests a treatment but also notes in the medical documentation that it should not be pursued if it could cause specific negative outcomes, the claimant can use this to argue they are following treatment as prescribed by adhering to those limitations.
  • Five key technologies are poised to significantly impact the treatment of disabilities: CRISPR gene editing, stem cell and regenerative medicine, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), 3D bioprinting, and nanotechnology/nanorobotics.
  • CRISPR gene editing is already showing success in treating genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia and holds promise for others.
  • Stem cells can regenerate damaged tissues and organs, offering potential cures for conditions like ALS, Parkinson's, and spinal cord injuries.
  • BCIs, including neural implants, can restore lost functions by reading brain signals, potentially enabling movement and communication for paralyzed individuals.
  • 3D bioprinting can create custom tissues and organs, while nanobots can perform cellular repair and targeted drug delivery at a molecular level.
These advanced technologies represent the future of medicine and will likely render many current disabilities treatable, directly affecting eligibility for SSA benefits.
CRISPR gene editing has already been approved for sickle cell treatment, a condition often qualifying for SSDI.
  • The video touches on ethical considerations, particularly regarding stem cell collection methods, emphasizing current practices avoid older, more controversial techniques.
  • Claimants may have reservations about new medical treatments due to personal beliefs, past experiences (like COVID-19 responses), or distrust of institutions.
  • The importance of questioning 'science' and relying on the scientific method (which involves disproving) rather than blindly trusting is highlighted.
  • Ultimately, individuals should prioritize their own bodies and make informed decisions about medical treatments.
  • The SSA may view cures favorably as they are often cheaper long-term than ongoing disability payments.
Claimants' autonomy and informed consent are central to navigating medical decisions, especially when benefits are at stake, and understanding the SSA's perspective on cost-effectiveness is also important.
The speaker discusses the public's varied reactions to COVID-19 vaccines as an example of differing trust levels in medical interventions and institutions.
  • Practical barriers to treatment adherence include cost, transportation, and cognitive or linguistic limitations.
  • The SSA considers the feasibility and risks associated with treatments, such as high-risk surgeries or medications with severe side effects.
  • Prior failed surgeries or treatments can be used as evidence against undergoing new, similar interventions.
  • The financial incentive for the SSA to approve cures is significant, as it is cheaper than long-term disability payments.
  • Even if insurance doesn't cover a cure, the government may be more inclined to support it due to long-term cost savings.
Recognizing practical and medical barriers can provide legitimate reasons for not following a prescribed treatment, offering further protection for disability benefits.
A homeless individual requiring post-surgery care in a clean, safe environment with assistance may face insurmountable transportation and housing barriers, providing a defense against failure to follow treatment.

Key takeaways

  1. 1The Social Security Administration can terminate disability benefits if a claimant fails to follow prescribed treatment that could restore their ability to work, provided specific conditions are met.
  2. 2Emerging medical technologies like CRISPR, stem cells, and nanobots are rapidly advancing and will likely 'cure' or significantly improve many conditions currently considered disabling.
  3. 3Claimants must be proactive in understanding these medical advancements and how they might impact their benefit eligibility.
  4. 4There are several valid defenses against the 'failure to follow prescribed treatment' rule, including cost, medical risks, religious objections, and practical limitations.
  5. 5The SSA's decision-making process is influenced by long-term cost-effectiveness, making cures potentially more attractive to them than ongoing benefit payments.
  6. 6It is crucial for claimants to ensure their medical records accurately reflect any reasons for not following a treatment, including potential side effects or contraindications.
  7. 7Maintaining financial stability through disability benefits requires staying informed about SSA rules and the evolving landscape of medical treatments.

Key terms

Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment RuleSocial Security Administration (SSA)Disability BenefitsMedically Determinable Impairment (MDI)Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)CRISPR Gene EditingStem Cell TherapyBrain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)3D BioprintingNanotechnology/Nanorobotics

Test your understanding

  1. 1What are the three core conditions that must be met for the SSA to apply the 'failure to follow prescribed treatment' rule?
  2. 2How might the development of new medical technologies, such as CRISPR, directly impact an individual's eligibility for Social Security disability benefits?
  3. 3What are at least three distinct defenses a claimant can use to argue they had 'good cause' for not following a prescribed treatment?
  4. 4Why is it important for claimants to have their treating medical sources document any limitations or contraindications related to a prescribed treatment?
  5. 5Beyond direct cures, how else might emerging medical technologies reduce the severity of an impairment to a point where it no longer qualifies for disability benefits?

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