Necessary information for pulmonary hypertension patientson the topic of Bi’tuach Le’umi and medical assistance.

This document is intended to clarify, to those newly diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, the patient’s benefits and how to receive them. We hope that this helps reduce the amount of bureaucracy that you must go through, since you most definitely have more pressing issues to be concerned with.              

First it is important to understand what your benefits are:

A person who has been diagnosed pulmonary hypertension, may submit claim forms for:

1) The general disability pension from the National Insurance Institute (NII).

2) Access to special services.

3) Receiving help to purchase a vehicle and a monthly stipend to operate the vehicle (only for those who use a wheelchair).

4) Discounts for a variety of purchases.

5) Car owners can get a disability badge for the car.

6) Eligibility to use a foreign worker.

7) Limit the amount you pay for drugs from Kupat Ha’cholim.

Disability benefit from the NII: 

If you are considered disabled in accordance with the Bi’tuach Le’umi law, which states that a person is "insured" if they have no capacity to earn a living, do not earn an amount equal to 25% of the average wage [about 2000 ₪], or if his/her earning capacity from employment or occupation is significantly reduced that he/she earns less than 50% of their original income as a result of a physical, mental, or emotional handicap.

Therefore, pulmonary hypertension patients who had to stop working due to illness or those who work, but earn less than 50% of what they used too, are entitled to a stipend.

Since most pulmonary hypertension patients are women, it is important to note that a woman who is a housewife may also be eligible. She may be entitled to a stipend, if she can no longer do regular housework or even if her capacity to work is reduced by 50%.

You are entitled to astipend if you meet the definition of handicapped person or housewife for at least 90 consecutive days. Please note that the allowance will be given only 90 days after the documented loss of occupation.

There are two types of disabilities for which you can receive an allowance: medical disability and an inability to work. Please note, that medical disability is determined by the documents you submit, and inability to work is measured by the way you inform the Bi’tuach Le’umi and how well you clarify to them your inability to work. Patients who develop PH naturally often try to prove to everyone that they are just as capable as they were before. It is important to tell PH patients that their motivation to continue as if they don’t have PH is commendable; however, pushing themselves to function as they did prior to developing PH is dangerous. While this is the tendency of people, it is important not present your health and ability with rose colored glasses when speaking with the Bi’tuach Le’umi.

Amount of benefit:

The stipend amount is about 2000 ₪/month (26.75% the average salary). A disabled person is eligible for a slight increase in the stipend if (s)he has a higher percentage of medical disability.

Please note! A handicapped individual who has "dependents" is entitled to a stipend for the spouse (except housewife) and for the first two children. The title of dependent is given to a spouse who earns less than 57% of the average wage (less than ₪ 4,200 approximate) or children under 18 - and in some cases over 18. The individual is entitled to an additional allowance of 50% (1000 ₪) and 40% of the pension (800 ₪) for each of the first two children.

Deductions for income:

The basic benefit (₪ 2000) will not be reduced, so long as the person meets the criteria .However, there is a reduction in the amount received from Bi’tuach Le’umi for dependents if the handicapped individual has any income. This reduction can be all or only part of the amount received. Reasons for this reduction in payment include receiving a pension, working at a part time job, etc.