Know your rights

Discrimination

Many people with psoriasis report facing discrimination in public places such as swimming pools, hair salons and gyms because others fear psoriasis is contagious. Fortunately, there are federal laws designed to protect you from discrimination. When it comes to challenging discrimination, you are your own best advocate. Here are some resources to help you learn about your rights and what to do if you experience an instance of discrimination.

Accessing health care

As with most chronic, autoimmune diseases, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis require ongoing treatment. In order to best manage your condition, it is important to see a doctor regularly who specializes in treating psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.

Navigating the health care system and applying for disability are not always easy, so we've compiled this list of resources for you to help you access the care you need to get—and stay—healthy with a chronic condition.

Applying for disability

Making the decision to apply for disability from the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not easy, and there are several factors to consider before you apply. It is often difficult to meet the SSA's definition of "disabled," and for many people, the process is time-consuming and can take months to complete.

The Psoriasis Foundation can help you present a successful case to the SSA by providing supporting documentation and information. It is important to involve your doctor in your case, and have him/her write a letter supporting your disability claim. Your doctor is best suited to discuss your specific medical history and how psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis have compromised your ability to work.

Patient’s Bill of Rights

Dealing with a chronic disease is challenging at times. You must have a willingness to learn as much as you can about your condition, and to work with a doctor to find the treatment you need.

As you work with your doctor and health insurance do not forget your rights as a patient:

• You have a right to the most effective treatment that will give the best results with the mildest side effects.
• You have the right to a full explanation of psoriasis and any treatments or medications that are prescribed.
• You have the right to sympathetic, courteous treatment from your doctor.
• You have the right to change doctors or pharmacies, to ask for a second opinion, and to comparison-shop for good buys in over-the-counter products.
• You have the right to feel angry, frustrated or upset about your psoriasis.
• You have the right to ask for support and encouragement from family members and friends.
• You have the right to learn all you can about psoriasis and its treatments.
• You have the right to tell others that you have psoriasis and to describe it in an educated manner.
• You have the right to deal with psoriasis in your own way and on your own terms, and not as other people think you should.
• You have the right to see yourself as a person of great worth who has a diagnosed medical condition called psoriasis.