I am disabled and on social security disability at the age of 42. I first became ill at the age of 35 and at 37 was told by doctors that I would never be ableto work again. I suffer from remitting remissng MS, Parkinson's, and diabetes. I have some memory problems which along with everything else, pretty much makes me unemployable. My wife has taken care of me for 7 years, this past Easter she had a stroke, and is partially paralyzed on her right side.
I fought for social security for 6 years, the only income we had was the money made at her job as a cook. I had a decent paying job, but years of no income and social security bullpoop along with doctors bills left me broke and in debt.
An example of what SS did to me was,
They set me up an appointment to see their doctor ( this is where it gets so ridiculous and sad that its funny ), the day before my scheduled appointment, I get a letter from the same lady that set up my appointment, telling me that my claim for benefits was denied because I failed to go to my scheduled appointment. I went through years of this bullpoop.
When I finally was awarded SS disability, they would only give 5 months back pay. I was 5 years behind but I got 5 months of pay!! I was told that I couldnt get medicare for 2 years from when THEY decided I was disabled. Medicaid gave me insurance, but they are charging me what is called a spenddown of $320.00 per month. I only receive $1040 per month. I take 15 prescriptions per day. The co-pay on these prescriptions comes to $64 per month. So, for me to get my prescriptions, I have to pay $384 per month. Without insurance my prescriptions are over $3000 per month. I know its not the governments fault I became ill, but they did take a large chunk of money from my paychecks every week for nearly 20 years. The way I understood it, that money went towards military, roads, politicians etc... However, some of that money was also supposed to go to programs to help people like me and also for me if I became disabled.
So anyway my wife got turned down for medicaid and she is appealing ( she had a stroke for crap's sake). She has prescription's she needs, and I cant afford mine. My doctor gives me insulin when she has samples, but its not enough. My sugar last month when I went to the doctor was 545!!!
I saw a commercial with Montel Williams doing something with prescriptions, helping people that cant afford them get them reduced or free, so I called. I received a packet and filled out some forms. Apparently the big thing with these companies that offer these cheap/free drugs, is first you have to apply for medicaid and be turned down. Since I am approved for Medicaid ( at a cost of $320 per month) I am not eligible.
Since my wife's stroke, we are now 3 months behind on our electric bill. Winter is coming up and the price to heat the house (trailer, small) is astronomical. We received help from HEAP last year, but that amounted to about 5 weeks worth of oil, and it gets cold up here ( i have seen -40 dgree temps F not C ).
To make matters worse, now I have a septic problem, and cant afford to get that fixed!!!!
The struggles to pay for medication and food alone are weighing hard on my wife, and I fear I am not able to give her the peace of mind that will allow her to fully recover. She actually worries more about me than herself.
thank you for the chance to vent my problems and please say a prayer for my wife ( Judi), She is a good person and deserves better than I have to currently offer.
