Financial Challenges Support Group
This community is for people who are struggling to meet financial obligations of any kind. Financial challenges include everything from the day-to-day challenges of making ends meet to managing credit card debt to bankruptcy. Get support from others who are going through similar obstacles on the road back to financial stability.
Hi everyone-well, I think I have reached the lowest point in my life so far-or at least one of the lowest. I'm 61 years old. I lost my job as a manager of a performing arts center for mentally retarded adults in 2008-a job that I loved and thought I'd be at until I decided to retire. Well between problems from fibro. and lupus, and politics at the job (my director wanted her friend in my position) I was "terminated". In May of 2009, I fell and got a brain injury, but didn't know how serious it was until I really didn't get much better. I had unemployment until this past May, when I exhausted all my benefits, and the wonderful Congress felt that anyone who couldn't find a job after 99 weeks was just lazy and enjoying using government money to live without working. Even with the brain injury and the problems it caused, I still was looking for work, against the neurologists wishes. I haven't been able to pay my property taxes for 2 years. My tv and phone have been cut off, and the electricity is about to be turned off. I don't get out much because the brain injury has caused me to be dizzy most of the time, the tv and computer are my little bit of enjoyment in my life.
So, after using all my savings, and cashing out my small 403b ($600), my small IRA ($500) and my life insurance ($500), I ran totally out of all money this past August. So no bills have been paid since then. The worst thing is that I was unable to come up with money to pay for COBRA ($600 a month), and had to let that lapse. I have breast cancer (in remission, thank God), lymphedema from the mastectomy, DDD, lupus, fibromyalgia, and the TBI, so I really need insurance.
In Sept, I applied for SSD, SSI, and social services programs (food stamps, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, and any other help they can give me). Anything will be a big help-especially food stamps, because now I'll be able to buy fresh fruit, which I haven't been able to do for a long time.
I have one important question I'm hoping someone might be able to help me with. Like I said, I have applied for Medicaid, and have been told (unofficially) that with my age and illnesses, most likely I will be approved. Here's the problem. I have several important doctors appointment coming up, that I really can't cancel. What do I do? I don't have COBRA, but I don't have Medicaid officially yet. Do I just have to cancel all the appointments ( I really need to see the neurologist every month). Also, I am on several medicines, the most important for the cancer and lupus. Some of these medicines are keeping me alive. I am due to pick up 4 of them today, but of course don't have the money to pay for them. I cannot stop them abruptly because I will go through withdrawal (pain medicines, prednisone, etc.).
Has anyone gone through anything like this, were they were waiting for Medicaid to come through? How did you manage getting your meds and keeping up with doctor appointments.
I'm really sorry this post got so long-hope I didn't bore you. I am just stressing out over this, and feeling sick because of the way I am stressing out myself. Thanks for any help you might be able to give me. God Bless. Kathy
So, after using all my savings, and cashing out my small 403b ($600), my small IRA ($500) and my life insurance ($500), I ran totally out of all money this past August. So no bills have been paid since then. The worst thing is that I was unable to come up with money to pay for COBRA ($600 a month), and had to let that lapse. I have breast cancer (in remission, thank God), lymphedema from the mastectomy, DDD, lupus, fibromyalgia, and the TBI, so I really need insurance.
In Sept, I applied for SSD, SSI, and social services programs (food stamps, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, and any other help they can give me). Anything will be a big help-especially food stamps, because now I'll be able to buy fresh fruit, which I haven't been able to do for a long time.
I have one important question I'm hoping someone might be able to help me with. Like I said, I have applied for Medicaid, and have been told (unofficially) that with my age and illnesses, most likely I will be approved. Here's the problem. I have several important doctors appointment coming up, that I really can't cancel. What do I do? I don't have COBRA, but I don't have Medicaid officially yet. Do I just have to cancel all the appointments ( I really need to see the neurologist every month). Also, I am on several medicines, the most important for the cancer and lupus. Some of these medicines are keeping me alive. I am due to pick up 4 of them today, but of course don't have the money to pay for them. I cannot stop them abruptly because I will go through withdrawal (pain medicines, prednisone, etc.).
Has anyone gone through anything like this, were they were waiting for Medicaid to come through? How did you manage getting your meds and keeping up with doctor appointments.
I'm really sorry this post got so long-hope I didn't bore you. I am just stressing out over this, and feeling sick because of the way I am stressing out myself. Thanks for any help you might be able to give me. God Bless. Kathy
If you are at a private practice be sure to ask the receptionist about Hardship assistance. Out here with the majority of small practices hardship assistance isn't advertised to keep people from taking advantage
You can also ask your dr about generics or if you're at a hospital for appointments you can ask your doctor if they hospital has an affiliate w/ a discount pharmacy.
If you still can't get prescription help from your doctor you can also do a Google search to see if your area has Catholic Social Service Agency, Salvation Army or St. VIncent DePaul These organizations in my area help direct those in need with fiancial, utility and medical assistance. Out here St. Vincents and the United Way help those in need w/ bus tokens to get to and from dr. appointments and for job interviews
As for transportation, not sure about your state, but here those on Medicaid get free transportation to and from drs appointments, WiC appointments, FS stamp renewal appointments and even daycare if you are in a work program. I know a lot of those don't apply but, you can always ask your caseworker if free or even limited transportation for dr visits is included in your states medicaid program
Lastly, if you're a Senior Citizen you can check or call your local Senior Center or do a Google search to see what programs might be able to help w/ meds and drs appointments in your area.
Good Luck! :) Hope things start looking up for you soon! ;D
P.S. Since you mentioned you need help with your Utilities and phone You can check to see if your state has a HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) for your state You can also call to see if your local phone company offers a Discount phone program. In my area, those on government assistance are eligible for a discount phone service program :)