Keeping up with doctor’s appointments is essential to managing health and staying informed, but it can often feel overwhelming. From scheduling and transportation to understanding medical advice and ensuring proper follow-up, there are many details to manage. This is where Understood Care can help. Our advocates serve as trusted guides, working alongside you or your loved one to make the process easier, more organized, and more comfortable.
Personalized Support Before and After Every Appointment
Understood Care advocates provide hands-on help with all aspects of medical visits. We help you schedule appointments, confirm provider information, and prepare for the visit itself. This might include reviewing your questions ahead of time, making sure prescriptions are current, or gathering any medical records needed. After the appointment, we help you understand the doctor’s recommendations and take the right steps to follow through on care instructions, referrals, or additional tests.
A Partner to Help You Understand Your Care
Medical visits can involve unfamiliar language, new diagnoses, or complex treatment plans. Your advocate is there to help translate this information into clear, understandable terms. We make sure you feel confident about what was discussed during the visit and that you know what actions to take next. If something is unclear or left unanswered, your advocate can follow up with your provider to get the information you need.
Coordination Across Your Care Team
Many people receive care from more than one doctor. Your advocate helps ensure that your care is well coordinated across primary care providers, specialists, and other professionals. We help share information between offices, keep records consistent, and make sure appointments align with your overall care goals. This reduces confusion and helps prevent important details from being overlooked.
Support for Getting to and From the Appointment
Transportation should never be the reason you miss a doctor’s visit. Your advocate helps you arrange reliable ways to get to and from appointments. Whether that means booking a ride service, coordinating with a caregiver, or finding community transportation resources, we make sure you have safe and timely access to care. We also consider mobility needs, language assistance, and other accessibility factors to support your comfort and safety.
Emotional and Practical Support Throughout
Doctor’s visits can bring up feelings of stress, uncertainty, or fatigue, especially when managing long-term conditions or complex health needs. Understood Care advocates are here to offer steady support throughout the experience. We are here to listen, provide encouragement, and help you make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
Confidence in Every Step of the Journey
With Understood Care, you are never alone in managing your medical appointments. From the moment you schedule your visit to the follow-up that comes afterward, your advocate is there to help you stay organized, prepared, and empowered. We make it easier to stay connected to the care you need and to move forward with confidence.
Who this guide helps
If you live with a physical, mental, or cognitive disability, you deserve clear information and real options. This guide explains the major benefits in plain language so you can take action with confidence. It is written for patients, caregivers, and older adults and follows the same friendly format you expect on our site.
The big picture is encouraging. More than one in four adults report a disability and among people age sixty five and older it is close to half. That means you are not alone and there are proven supports to help you live safely and independently. The sections below show where to start and how to qualify.
What you will learn in a few minutes
- The difference between Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income
- Medicare and Medicaid services you can use right now including therapy and equipment
- Housing help, work supports, and your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act
- The documents to gather and the step by step path to approval
- How an advocate can do the legwork with you
A quick note inspired by the video
In the video we share how common disability is across physical, mental, and cognitive conditions and the many supports that exist. For physical needs, you can often qualify for durable medical equipment and therapy services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. For mental health, you can connect to counseling in person or online and use medication support programs so you stay on track. For cognitive and neurodiversity needs, there are programs that help with job support, housing, and personal assistance. Much of this is available through Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or Social Security linked programs. The goal is simple. You should know what you qualify for, which providers fit your needs, and exactly how an advocate can coordinate services for you.
If you would like hands on help, visit these pages to see how we work together:
- Transportation support understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help
- Mobility equipment and home safety understoodcare.com/care-types/mobility-equipment
- Lower prescription costs understoodcare.com/care-types/lower-costs-of-medication
- Meet our advocates understoodcare.com/advocates
- Coverage and costs understoodcare.com/pricing
Disability benefits at a glance
Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program that pays monthly cash benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and can no longer perform substantial work because of a medically determinable condition that is expected to last at least twelve months or result in death. Family members may qualify on your record in some situations. You apply directly with Social Security, and medical evidence is required.
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income is a needs based program that pays monthly benefits to adults and children with limited income and resources who are blind or disabled or to adults age sixty five and older. In many states an SSI approval also opens the door to Medicaid automatically or through a linked application. This connection matters because Medicaid can fund the daily supports that help you live at home.
Medicare you can use right now
If you have Medicare, Part B helps pay for medically necessary outpatient services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology when your clinician certifies the need. Part B also covers outpatient mental health visits with psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors when criteria are met. Part D drug plans must operate medication therapy management programs for people with complex prescriptions to help prevent interactions, support adherence, and resolve medication problems. Durable medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen equipment is generally covered when medically necessary and prescribed for use in your home.
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you receive all Medicare covered services through the plan and some plans offer targeted extra supports for people with chronic illness. Examples may include rides to medical visits, meal supports, or other services intended to maintain or improve function. Availability and rules vary by plan.
For help using these benefits today, see our guides on mobility equipment and transportation.
Medicaid Home and Community Based Services
Medicaid allows states to fund home and community services so people with disabilities can live at home rather than in institutions. These programs may cover personal care, homemaker help, respite for caregivers, home modifications, and assistive technology. They are often called waivers. Each state sets its own eligibility rules and many programs have waiting lists, so starting early matters.
Housing support
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development supports programs that create affordable housing for people with disabilities. One important example is Section eight eleven supportive housing for persons with disabilities which expands rental options with ongoing supports. Your local housing authority or state agency can explain how to apply and what is open now.
If you need help exploring options or starting applications, our housing guide can help you plan next steps.
Work and education supports
If you want to work or return to work, two resources stand out. State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies help with evaluation, training, job placement, and assistive technology. The Social Security Ticket to Work program offers voluntary supports for adults who receive disability benefits and want to try work with safeguards that protect health coverage and a gradual path to independence. The Job Accommodation Network funded by the Department of Labor gives free expert advice on workplace accommodations so you can stay employed.
Civil rights and reasonable accommodation
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations in employment, state and local government services, public places, transportation, and telecommunications. Reasonable accommodation means a change that helps a qualified person perform essential job functions without imposing undue hardship on the employer. Examples include flexible schedules, assistive technology, or job coaching.
What to gather before you apply
Organizing your information saves time and reduces delays
- Contact list for all clinicians with addresses, phone numbers, and dates of care
- A clear list of diagnoses and current symptoms in your own words
- Medication list with doses and the name of the prescriber
- Recent imaging, lab results, and therapy evaluations if you have them
- Work history for SSDI including job titles, dates, and main physical or cognitive tasks
- Financial records for SSI such as income, bank balances, and living situation
- A daily function summary that describes walking, lifting, sitting, memory, focus, self care, and communication
- Names of people who can describe your day to day limitations such as family or caregivers
Step by step path to benefits
Step one Choose the program and apply
- SSDI Apply online, by phone, or in person with Social Security. You can start the claim as soon as you stop substantial work due to disability.
- SSI Apply through Social Security and be ready to document income and resources. This is essential for linked Medicaid in many states.
- Medicare If you qualify through disability or age, use your Part B and Part D benefits right away for therapy, mental health, and medications.
- Medicaid Apply through your state agency. Ask specifically about home and community services and how to join a waiting list if one exists.
- Housing Ask your local housing authority about current openings and the Section eight eleven program.
- Work supports Contact your state Vocational Rehabilitation agency and explore the Ticket to Work program if you receive SSDI or SSI.
Step two Build strong medical evidence
- Keep regular visits with your treating clinicians
- Ask clinicians to document specific functional limits such as how long you can stand, walk, concentrate, and lift
- Complete therapy evaluations since they provide objective measures of movement, strength, speech, swallowing, or cognition
- Save copies of visit summaries and test results
Step three Track deadlines and decisions
- Note the date you filed and the date you receive any decision
- If you are denied, review the reason quickly and file an appeal within the stated window
- Keep using your covered benefits such as therapy and mental health services during the appeal
Step four Add practical supports
- Use Part B therapy, speech services after stroke, and equipment coverage to improve safety at home
- Ask your plan about medication therapy management to organize complex prescriptions
- If transportation is a barrier, review our transportation guide and ask your plan or state about ride benefits
How an advocate can help
An advocate is your dedicated partner in care. We listen to your goals, create a simple plan with you, and handle the calls and paperwork so your clinicians can focus on treating you. Here are common ways we support people with disabilities
- Prepare and track SSDI or SSI applications, collect records, and coordinate with your clinicians
- Arrange therapy and durable medical equipment with the right medical documentation so approvals go through
- Connect you with medication therapy management and help lower drug costs when possible
- Coordinate between primary care, specialists, mental health, and community resources so nothing slips through
- Navigate housing programs and waivers and help with applications and follow up
You can learn more about our services or check coverage any time
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI
SSDI pays benefits based on your past work and Social Security contributions. SSI pays benefits to people with limited income and resources who are blind or disabled or age sixty five and older. Many people check eligibility for both.
How long must my condition last to qualify for disability benefits
Social Security uses a strict medical standard. Your condition must prevent substantial gainful work and must be expected to last at least twelve months or result in death. Children have a different evaluation that looks at how the condition limits daily functioning.
Does Medicare cover therapy and mental health visits
Yes. Part B covers medically necessary outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, and a wide range of outpatient mental health services when criteria are met. You usually pay the Part B deductible and a coinsurance amount unless you have supplemental coverage.
What is durable medical equipment and how do I get it
Durable medical equipment includes items like walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and oxygen equipment. Your clinician must prescribe the item for use at home and the supplier must be enrolled in Medicare. Coverage and rental rules vary by item.
What are home and community based services
Home and community based services are Medicaid benefits that help people live at home. Examples include help with bathing and dressing, homemaker services, respite for caregivers, home modifications, and assistive technology. Each state runs its own programs and many have waiting lists.
Can I try to work without losing my benefits
Yes. Social Security offers work incentives and the Ticket to Work program. These supports let you test work while protecting benefits for a period of time and keeping health coverage through specific rules. A benefits counselor or Vocational Rehabilitation agency can help you plan a safe path.
How do ADA reasonable accommodations work on the job
If you can perform the essential functions of your job with a change that is reasonable and does not cause undue hardship to the employer, you can request an accommodation. Examples include modified schedules, assistive technology, or changes to how tasks are done. You do not need to share private diagnoses beyond what is needed to support the request.
Who can help me coordinate all of this
Advocates can save you time and stress by handling forms, records requests, prior authorizations, transportation, and scheduling. If you would like support, start here
References
- Please use the full links below for primary, high authority sources used to develop this guide
- CDC Disability and Health Data Now
https://www.cdc.gov/disability-and-health/articles-documents/disability-and-health-data-now.html - CDC Disability Impacts All of Us
https://www.cdc.gov/disability-and-health/articles-documents/disability-impacts-all-of-us-infographic.html - Social Security Disability overview
https://www.ssa.gov/disability - SSA Red Book definition of disability
https://www.ssa.gov/redbook/eng/definedisability.htm - SSA Disability Benefits booklet
https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf - SSI general information
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi - SSI eligibility details
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/eligibility - SSI and Medicaid connection
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-other-ussi.htm - Medicare durable medical equipment coverage
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage - CMS DMEPOS fee schedules and device categories
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/fee-schedules/dmepos - Medicare physical therapy coverage
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/physical-therapy-services - Medicare occupational therapy coverage
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/occupational-therapy-services - Medicare speech language pathology coverage
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/speech-language-pathology-services - Medicare outpatient mental health coverage
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/mental-health-care-outpatient - Medicare behavioral health overview
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/mental-health-substance-use-disorder - Medicare and mental health benefits booklet
https://www.medicare.gov/publications/10184-medicare-and-your-mental-health-benefits.pdf - Part D medication therapy management requirements
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage-contracting/medication-therapy-management - CMS memo on Contract Year 2025 MTM requirements
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/memo-contract-year-2025-medication-therapy-management-mtm-program-submission-v050624.pdf - CMS Medicaid Non Emergency Medical Transportation overview
https://www.cms.gov/medicare/medicaid-coordination/states/non-emergency-medical-transportation - Medicaid Transportation Coverage Guide
https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/smd23006.pdf - Medicaid Home and Community Based Services overview
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/home-community-based-services - Medicaid Home and Community Based Services 1915 c waivers
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/home-community-based-services/home-community-based-services-authorities/home-community-based-services-1915c - ACL Centers for Independent Living
https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living - ACL list of Centers for Independent Living by state
https://acl.gov/programs/centers-independent-living/list-cils-and-spils - HUD Section eight eleven Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities
https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/multifamily-grants-section811ptl - ADA guide to disability rights
https://www.ada.gov/resources/disability-rights-guide - EEOC guidance on reasonable accommodation under the ADA
https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/enforcement-guidance-reasonable-accommodation-and-undue-hardship-under-ada - Social Security Ticket to Work
https://www.ssa.gov/work - Ticket to Work work incentives
https://choosework.ssa.gov/about/work-incentives - Rehabilitation Services Administration
https://rsa.ed.gov - Job Accommodation Network main page
https://askjan.org - U S Department of Labor ODEP accommodations resource
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/employers/accommodations
This content is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.
Deborah Hall
- About: Deborah Hall’s primary specialty is other healthcare benefits access. She helps people apply for coverage, clears questions, and connects them to programs fast.
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