I just got off the phone with my Congressman's office about my medical insurance. I was going to post under another topic, but I think this might be a good place to start.
I am 60 and on disability due to m.s. I have been on both sides of having good insurance and then not having any at all part of last year.
I cannot explain how medical insurance can get better. I only hope that people who are paid with our tax dollars will help us when we have medical needs.
First, let me tell you what my local Medicaid office told me a few months ago. "I'm sorry. Medicaid is only for people with children." I knew that wasn't true because years ago my mother had to be on it since her income was extremely limited. I sent in forms to the Medicaid office for another try. I got a live person that talked to me and asked questions. One of the questions, which took me time to figure out what the heck they were saying was, "What is this A-NU-I-TIE? The last syllable was pronounced like men's neckwear, not like a financial product. When I finally realized that she was asking me what an annuity was, I tried to respond as respectfully as possible. I realized the person on the end of the line had my health and welfare in their hands. [not to be dramatic BUT once I figured out that I needed to face that reality, I realized I was going to have to fight for my own health. I could no longer be passive about it.] I lost the fight with the Medicaid people and moved on to the Special Enrollment for Medicare Part B, which I felt applied to my situation.
I have been wrestling with my local Social Security office for months regarding the Special Enrollment Period. Their instant response has been, "you don't qualify", and that's even before they know the particulars of my situation. I finally wrote my local Congressman and lo and behold if his office didn't surprise me with a phone call the next day. They've helped me, but my fight is not totally over. In the meantime, I don't have money to go see my doctor with or without insurance. I've used gofundme before, although it was quite humbling. I never thought I would be in that situation.
I have one more form to give my Congressman because Social Security said they did not receive it, even though I sent it to them last week. I hope it solves the problem.
I'm sorry this is long, but I feel the need to warn everyone that you need to save more money. You need to get the best education and the best insurance you can possibly get. Give up Starbucks. Give up a new dress or the new car and save every possible cent you can because the government may not be as helpful as you might think.
