There is plenty of paperwork and financial obligations that continue while dealing with devastating injuries and illnesses. Do you and/or spouse or significant other own property? Are you paying life insurance premiums? Have you been paying cash for health care providers before insurance pays?
Expenses for your medical care and other expenses incurred from injury and illness are devastating. At a time when things are already difficult, you and your family are supposed to know all the ins-and-outs of a foreign concept …. Disability alone is difficult!
When most learn of Homestead Exemption Property Taxes they think of senior citizens. This does reduce property taxes but differs from state-to-state. This was designed for senior citizens but also includes permanently and totally disabled residents. Many TBI survivors, chronically ill patients and families are unaware they may be entitled to a significant tax discount. Along with the possibility of this discount take a look at insurance premiums and health insurance contracts.
If you know a neighbor, friend, spouse, relative take a few moments to help them see if they qualify and how they handle the matter. In some states the property taxes are reduced regardless of income. To find out what your state requires search the web for “Homestead Exemption for State Name” (For example: New York). There are additional benefits for Veterans in many states.
Homestead Exemption Property Taxes
- Tax laws differ from state-to-state
- Exemptions for senior citizen and permanently and totally disabled residents
- Reduce property taxes (regardless of income in many states)
- Search web on line Homestead Exemption for your State and frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Premiums may be waived while disabled
- Contact all insurance companies where policies exist
- May need paperwork filled out by physicians verifying medical status
Health Insurance Claims
- Don’t pay medical bill until insurance pays portion
- Medical Providers are under contract with health insurance company
- You may NOT owe anything & getting reimbursed if overpayments occur might be a nightmare or impossible!
- It is WRONG for a provider to demand payment or money when they are contracted by insurance carrier
- Contact the health insurance provider to get answers before paying out-of-pocket. They will help you understand what is covered, and what is not.
Any changes takes a considerable effort for understanding and additional paperwork. If you need help contact someone who will assist you through this process. If you know of someone who might be entitled to these benefits or they may have overlooked this, take a moment of your time to mention it.
Related articles
- The History of Insurance (insureyes.com)
- Insurance Made Simple. Helpful Tips And Tricks! (finance-411.com)
- Homestead Exemptions (mjfelter.wordpress.com)
**********All material presented on Brain Injury Self Rehabilitation (BISR) is copyright and cannot be, copied, reproduced, or distributed in any way without the express, written consent of Edith E. Flickinger, BSN RN.
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katie
May 3, 2013 at 10:38 am
In the state of Florida all residents are entitled to Homestead Exemption taxes on homes, BUT you have to apply for it by a certain date, check with your county. Here you get $25,000 discount on first $100,000 and then another $25,000 on anything over $100,000. It is well worth the time and effort.
brain injury self rehabilitation (BISR)
May 6, 2013 at 11:10 pm
Thanks for your input. It’s the hidden things that can be costly when income is limited. Take care and stay safe.
Three Well Beings
May 3, 2013 at 10:21 pm
This is a great list, Edie. The best advice, too, is your reminder that if a person finds this difficult or confusing, ask for help! The giving and receiving help is important when the stakes are so high! Thank you.
brain injury self rehabilitation (BISR)
May 6, 2013 at 11:04 pm
There’s so much overlooked by all involved. I’m just listing a couple things that I’ve heard others surprised no one mentioned. Thanks for your feedback! Take care and stay safe.
brokenbrilliant
May 9, 2013 at 8:23 am
The tip about the Homestead Exemption is a GREAT
brokenbrilliant
May 9, 2013 at 8:24 am
…ooops, hit Enter by accident — The tip about the Homestead Exemption is a GREAT one – I am going to explore it, because losing my house has been a big concern of mine, especially in the past few years. The value of my home is well under my state’s cap, so it should help a lot with just peace of mind.
Thanks again
brain injury self rehabilitation (BISR)
May 10, 2013 at 8:34 pm
I didn’t know anything about the Homestead Exemption, and it’s something no one tells others. My financial consultant and tax person never mentioned it and I believe they should have know! Anyway, I kept meaning to post it so everyone could check it out and see if they qualify. Very dear friends who has M.S. (paralyzed) and her husband (doctor in analytical chemist) recently found out about it, but would have qualified several years ago. Hope this helps you. Take care and stay safe.
brokenbrilliant
May 11, 2013 at 7:10 am
I checked it out and it looks like I qualify, along with my spouse. There are a few years between us, and there are different age qualification differences. I am definitely checking it out – I think I may have even arranged for it when I closed on the house, but I can’t remember — it was a little less than 2 years before my TBI, and my memory is not what it once was. I will be exploring it further – it’s a great thing!