The Economics of Disability

A few months ago, I got into an argument with my brother over my financial situation. He could not figure out why medical expenses are so high for me and why my medical debts have accumulated as they have. After much thought, I realize not many people would really understand the economics of living with disability. In reality, although people with disabilities are expected to make lower than average incomes, they require supports that cost money beyond what the average person experiences. Now, I will list my impairments for newcomers and as a refresher: prosthetic right eye, moderate-severe hearing loss, migraines, scoliosis (a mild s-curve to my spine), depression survivor, fibromyalgia, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. There are no cures for any of these - only quality of life treatments. I will break down one by one. Take a look at the table below and ask yourself, "how would I be able to afford this?".

In another post, I will explain how I have learned to off-set these costs through simple strategies in times when I can only barely afford the minimum amount.

Item	Frequency	Cost	Months	Monthly Basis	Average Coverage
Prosthetic Right Eye
Eye Care Solution Kit	Monthly	$10.00	1	$10.00	None
Eye Drops	Monthly	$25.00	1	$25.00	None
Prosthetic	Every 8-10 years	$2100.00	96	$21.88	1st one only at 80%
Prosthetic cleanings	Every 6 months	$70.00	6	$11.67	Sometimes 80%
Moderate-Severe Hearing Loss
Hearing Device	Every 5 years	$4000.00	60	$66.67	$500 every two years
Batteries	Every two moths	$20.00	2	$10.00	None
Accessories	Every 5 years	$30.00	60	$0.50	None
Migraines
Magnesium	Every 3 weeks	$30.00	0.8	$37.50	None
Advil	Monthly	$20.00	1	$20.00	None
Gravel Ginger	Every 3 weeks	$12.00	0.8	$15.00	None
Specialized Glasses	Every two years	$500.00	24	$20.83	Disability Credit
Scoliosis
Physiotherapy	Every 6 weeks	$120.00	1.5	$80.00	80% up to $500
Chiropractor	Every 3 weeks	$60.00	0.8	$75.00	80% up to $500
Depression Survivor
Counselling	Every 2 months	$130.00	2	$65.00	80% up to $500
Fibromyalgia
Naturopathic therapies	Monthly	$160.00	1	$160.00	80% up to $500
Massage Therapy	Every 3 weeks	$100.00	0.8	$125.00	80% up to $500
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Yoga	Weekly	$15.00	0.25	$60.00	None
Chronic Pain
Medical Marijuana (MMJ)	Daily	$10.00	0.03	$333.33	Disability Credit
			Full Coverage	$1137.38
			Minimums	$141.04
			Plus MMJ	$474.38

By the way, "Disability Credit" means there is no coverage but I can claim it on my taxes.