By Eric Shore
If you can’t work because you’re sick or hurt, or if you just lost your job, you’re not alone.
I’ve been helping people who can’t work for over 25 years. Many worked hard for decades. Then life changed. They got cancer, heart trouble, serious back pain, or deep depression. Suddenly, they couldn’t keep up anymore.
Maybe that’s you. Maybe your doctor or family has told you to think about applying for disability. You might not be sure what that means, or what comes next.
There’s a new law now. Some call it the “Big Beautiful Bill.” It changes how the government handles taxes, budgets, and programs like Medicaid. On the surface, it might seem simple. But if you’re too sick to work, this law could quietly make life harder.
Why insurance matters so much when you’re trying to get disability
Most people do not realize how important insurance is in a disability case. When you apply for Social Security disability, the government does not just take your word for it. They want proof. That means records from doctors, test results, and reports that show how your health keeps you from working.
Without insurance, many people stop going to the doctor. They skip tests and cut back on medicine. That means fewer records. This makes it much harder to win a case.
Many people also don’t realize what happens when they finally win disability
If you win SSI, you usually get Medicaid. If you win SSDI, which is based on your work history, you get Medicare after a wait. These programs pay for doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions. Without them, many people could never afford care.
So insurance is a big deal, even if you have not applied yet. It can decide if you keep seeing doctors and getting the records you need.
What the new law actually changes
The new law sends less money from Washington to the states for programs like Medicaid. That means states will do more checks to see who still qualifies. They will send more letters. They will ask for more paperwork. If you miss a letter or fill out a form wrong, you could lose your insurance even if you are still sick.
The law also lets states make people on Medicaid work or volunteer a certain number of hours to keep their insurance. Many people think that sounds fair. If you can work, you should. The problem is most people who apply for disability cannot work like they used to. They are too sick or in too much pain. But Social Security has not approved them yet. That can take one to three years.
So while they wait, they might be told to work or lose Medicaid. If they try, they could end up worse off. If they fail, they could lose insurance. Then they stop seeing doctors. Then they lose the records that prove their case.
This is a dangerous cycle
No insurance means fewer doctor visits. Fewer visits mean less proof. Less proof makes it harder to get disability. No disability means no income. That can lead to deep debt or losing a home. Many people end up in emergency rooms over and over. That costs even more in the long run.
What about people who already have disability?
If you already get Social Security disability, this can still matter. The government checks from time to time to see if people still qualify. If you stop seeing doctors because you lost insurance, they might decide you are better. They could stop your checks and your Medicare or Medicaid.
What about families and local hospitals?
If you lose Medicaid, your kids might lose insurance too. That means they could miss vaccines, asthma care, or therapy. Hospitals also get hurt. When people lose insurance, they still get sick. They end up in the ER. Hospitals help, but someone has to pay. That often raises costs for everyone. In some small towns, hospitals might even close.
Is there anything good in the new law?
There are bigger tax breaks for families. Some people will pay less in taxes. That can help. But it does not pay for cancer care, insulin, or therapy. It does not replace Medicaid or Medicare.
What you can do right now
Keep seeing your doctors. Those records are the heart of your case. If you worry about money, look for clinics with lower fees or payment plans.
Open every letter from Medicaid, Social Security, or your state. Fill out any forms right away. If you do not understand them, ask someone you trust or call us.
If your health is stopping you from working, or if you already lost your job, call our office. We will look at your situation and explain what you can do. It costs nothing up front. We only get paid if you win.
We help people all over the country
Our firm helps people across the United States. We handle Social Security disability, short-term and long-term disability insurance cases, and veterans disability cases.
We know how these new rules could affect your case. We also know how to work with your doctors so your records stay strong.
One last thought
Most people who call us worked hard for years. They paid taxes. They raised kids. They never thought they would need disability. Then life changed. They got cancer or had a stroke. They developed severe depression.
This new law might look like just a way to save money. But for people who are sick or out of work, it could take away the very help that keeps them going.
This is not about politics. It is about protecting what you worked so hard to build.
Ready to talk?
Call us at 1-800-CANT-WORK or visit 1800cantwork.com.
We will go through everything in plain language. If you are a doctor, therapist, or lawyer, we are glad to be a resource for your patients or clients.
