I am in the system. I get $624 per month from SSI (supplemental security income). I am on Medicare, Medicaid, and I'm trying to get into Voc Rehab to help me pay for school because I'm tapped out of student loan money. I will lose Medicare in October. I go to the lab once a month and get my blood analyzed for $600, and $1200 twice a year for extra labs. I have not been an inpatient for over a year and a half (my previous record was almost 3 months), although I was in the ER twice and got an outpatient x-ray once. I haven't seen those bills yet. My medications cost about $1500 a month, and that is a permanent figure, as are the labs. I was cut from food stamps because I get PELL grants.
If I get a job, I can't make over $1118 a month or I will risk losing SSI. However, any amount that I do make monthly will go toward the Medicaid spend-down.
I am a high school graduate, and have quite few college credits. I have a limitation on how much I can lift or carry. I get sick easily. I spend a few days in bed every couple of months because of it. I am a part-time college student, but because of certain health conditions, that's about all I have in me.
Being in the welfare system is not out of laziness. It is out of necessity.
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that really sucks...I can't say that I know what you mean...cuz I don't...but I do know how it is to wonder if there will be enough money for that next meal...I think the government needs to seriously overhaul the welfare system...it's completely unfair for ill people to have to decide between taking their meds or eating for the week...we need to pay a lot more attention to these people as well as money
I've been reading blog after blog about how people in the system are just lazy and take advantage of the system. I got sick of it so I posted my own blog to try to explain why people stay in the system- they give you an all or nothing choice.
I got lucky though. I got a diagnosis that put me on Medicare, and in the SSI system. I don't really know what I could be doing if it was something else. Honestly, I'd probably be dead- no exaggeration.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
hmm...sorry...
yeah I think there needs to be more restrictions on getting and staying in the system b/c way too many people do abuse it...and it's really unfair to the people that need it
People have been trying to band-aid it together since it started. They need a complete overhaul.
Yes, there are people that abuse it, but they are cracking down on that. Not to mention, there are far more people using it that need it than there are taking advantage of it.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
I don't see here where you deserve our tax dollars. Everyone has bills; whether it's for health care, or we have children, or the car keeps breaking down.
Even if you have chronic illness; you can work. There are plenty of positions available that still offer medical benefits part-time or are accommodating full-time positions for those who need them. I doubt you are a senior citizen; so why do you get social security? If you are working a job without physical taxation, whether or not you work for yourself, you can get low-cost health insurance from private organizations.
I work at home freelance writing, and I am a full-time student. I make a couple thousand a month writing for buyers on sites like Elance. It's work, and it takes time and patience. However, anyone who has moderate skill and communication abilities can go on this site and start selling their abilities.
In my opinion, you are holding yourself back by believing you need Medicare and SSI. When I read this kind of blog, I don't feel pity or sorrow for you, but I want you to stand up and say, "Hey, I can do this on my own." Wean yourself off the system and you will feel much better about yourself.
This is a great example of why social security doesn't work (it was never meant to be used for 'supplemental income' in difficult times) and welfare should be abolished. Private organizations are better at weeding out who really needs help, and who doesn't. They are also able to give people are much or as little as they should receive; maybe give you all or half your monthly medical costs and you'd have to work for the rest.
No one should be so reliant on the government.
Wow, that's harsh, Pinky. I believe sonja is on her third kidney transplant, and when she says she gets sick a lot, it's more along the lines of "I almost die a lot." I'm a bleeding heart liberal, so my opinion may not matter here due to obvious bias, but before saying you don't see why she deserves our tax dollars, maybe ASK her why?
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Even bleeding heart liberals are able to voice their opinions - after all, we do live in the United States.
However, I still disagree. In a five-minute search I found the following websites who discuss financial support for people who have kidney problems:
http://www.copays.org/pdf/cpr_release.pdf
https://ultracare-dialysis.com/engine/renderpage.asp?pid=s0156
http://www.kidney.org/help/patientsNonProfit.cfm (lists non-profits)
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/financialhelp/
These may not cover what someone may need, but they do show it's possible to beat it without using the government. My point is, if we didn't have medicare/medicaid/SSI holding people back, and instead offered incentives to private programs, help would be more available for those who need it, screening would be better, and the money would be utilized more effectively.
We are throwing our tax dollars away on these programs; less than 1/4 of the money actually makes it to the people who need it. The rest is thrown away on bureaucracy and people who just plain do not want to contribute. Should we abolish these programs, fewer people would be dependent on inefficient government programs, and it would be easier to get help for people who need it.
In addition, if someone like Sonja as you describe her had had private insurance to begin with (i.e. had invested in her own health before she became ill), she would have been covered and not needed to worry at all. It's illegal to kick someone off private insurance due to a newfound chronic illness for just that reason.
I worked from the time I was 14-18. I got insurance through my dad and stepdad because I was diagnosed when I was 14. My stepdad's insurance would have covered me under the disabled children's clause, but my mom and he divorced.
I've searched through insurances, and Indiana does have a good plan for people with prexisting conditions- high risk. It cost close to $600/month at the low end.
I've found one insurance company that would take me, for $350 a month, with a $1000 prescription deductible, and another $2000 hospital deductible. I almost did that, but they don't have any transplant hospitals on their plan, and out-of-network only pays half.
I know I can get help with prescriptions, but not labs or ER or hospital visits. I'm not trying to stay in the system.... well, I am until I get my degree and can hopefully get a job with the state that has great benefits.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
okay...I was on your side before...but even more so now... that you say Indiana...I've lived here my whole life and I can honestly say Indiana's insurance is a little out of control and pretty sucktastic so I sympathize with you a lot more now
Some people aren't able to work due to their chronic illness. Sometimes, they have to go to the doctors more often, therefore they have to call out of work alot more and they are at risk of losing their job. And with a chronic illness, it's hard to work especially if it's zapping energy from you constantly. The whole SSI was meant for the poor, sick, and the elderly, or people that fall into hard times.
FYI as you posted on this respose "Hey, I can do this on my own." Wean yourself off the system and you will feel much better about yourself. ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM A CHRONIC ILLNESS? If not, then you can't relate to her.
That response you posted was harsh no offense.
DOING THE DAMN THING!!
I wasn't necessarily criticizing the original poster - read my comment above and you will see I am actually criticising the government program.
Original SS Act: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/history/35actinx.html (does not include disability; only a very small allotment for unemployment - this act was not intended to cover those who could not work).
In addition, both my mother and I have had cancer. She is still on chemo, and works full-time. I also went to school full-time while I was ill. I'm not saying everybody can do it, but I am saying there are ways to contribute without being unemployed. Many people who have "no excuse" work at home, with a minimum of physical labor, and manage to afford private health insurance on their own.
Wanting people to contribute to society is not a crime, nor does it make me cold-hearted. Life isn't fair; deal with it.
I'm criticizing the government too. Once they get you in the system, they make it nearly impossible to get out of it. It's a trap, but one I was forced to enter. I am trying to work my way out of it through education to give myself an opportunity for complete independence.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
I agree that these programs are out of control and pretty much trap people. Once you are in, you are in forever. That's why people should be weaned off / the programs need to go.
Have you tried the insurance plans the schools offer if you are full-time? There are also outside plans offered low-cost to students; the benefits can be better than Medicare, and also it's less of a hassle / lower co-pays.
Many hospitals also offer programs to help people who are helping themselves. They offer programs for patients who can't afford the care in a time of medical needs. You could speak with your local hospital, and may get better / cheaper care.
It's very difficult - but you can do it. You seem to have the desire and the drive; just keep working. If you would like help, feel free to PM me and I'd be happy to tell you more about private programs that are better than Medicare. However, I am from NY so it may be slightly different than Indiana.
Are you kidding me? Of course NY has better programs. Indiana is so actively republican, they (generalization) don't care what happens to people. Hell, Indiana just tightened down immigration laws- again, while New York has a policy to allow them to report crimes. HUGE differences...
The programs don't really keep you in forever, but they don't really give any incentive to get out. It's all or nothing. However, as I stated, Medicaid does have a spend down, but the cap for that coverage is also really low. I am willing to work with that part of the system once I find a secure job (being sick so much will hurt those chances) which will be after I graduate.
I looked into both school and hospital plans. I can't go full time.... I've tried it so many times and I end up so sick I miss half the classes. I need a good GPA and the only to keep that is to go half time. Aside from grades for potential scholarships, I'm seriously considering a Masters through a tuition reimbursement program. My school is run through the clinic. They said even if I go full time they weren't sure they could cover me.
My hospital, actually the two hospitals that do have kidney transplant facilities in Indianapolis have sold out to Clarion Health. They're businessmen and I have noticed a huge difference since they've been running the show. The nurses and doctors do what they can. For example, if someone doesn't need certain meds anymore, they give them to someone that does need them. That's generally all they'll do outside of a payment plan.
I appreciate your faith in me, especially without knowing much about me, but I am not about drop out the system when I'm not even two years (going half-time) away from a degree and a chance of full independence.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
Sonja,
You don't have to drop out until you've found an alternative. : ) Nobody expects you to wing it - I wouldn't take that chance myself.
If I were you, I would consider moving to a different state, or transferring my credits to a University with a good health program. Your health - and your future - are more important than where you live.
I don't know anyone in Indiana, but my significant other's cousin is a doctor who may be able to give me some information. I'll ask her for you.
Keep in touch,
Kate
If you've lived in a state for over 1 year, you can access state grants. Here, my grants alone pay about 80% of my tuition. The federal grants don't pay as much.
I am planning on moving out of Indiana once I graduate and work for a year. Currently, I have no employment history really since I was 18. It doesn't look good on applications...
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
Have you applied for any internships or co-ops? Because companies don't offer benefits for these types of positions, you could build your resume, make money (possibly), and they wouldn't care about your preexisting condition.
But what a great idea. I could do that over summer break. Quite honestly I just can't commit to anything extra while I'm in school even half time. (I know it seems like I'm on here all the time, but I did almost all of my homework this morning.)
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
Most people don't take classes while they intern. I did - online - but it was hard and my grades weren't as good. Check it out with your University's career center, or just start contacting companies on your own. I think the government even takes interns.
Good luck!
First, I don't want any pity, sorrow, or sympathy, and that's a big reason I was so vague about my actual health issues. I don't see them as something worthy of pity or sympathy- they made me who I am. I just want people to see the other side of it- that not everyone in the system is just lazy.
If you missed the part about me being in school so that I can be independent, I can see why you would think that I'm holding myself back.
Private organizations are in it for the profit. The government doesn't make a profit, but with them privatizing things- Medicaid and food stamps, for example- someone IS making a profit off these people.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
Actually, privatizing Medicare was a smart move. It saves the government a lot of money in having to run their own insurance company. That's expensive, time consuming and as we all know the government is very inefficient.
When I say "private program" I really mean "private non-profit charity." More insurance companies are non-profit than you think; you should check out the ones in your area and see if you are eligible for free or low cost care. You may find that if you put time into calling around, writing letters, and contacting people that the health care may be cheaper than Medicare. Most organizations are happy to assist if you prove you are working - as you said, by working towards your education and independence.
but I caught that on another post. Actually, privatizing Medicare and FSSA isn't all that efficient or cheap. It benefits the people who get the contracts, and the only government benefit is not having to insure and pay on employees personally, but they still pay almost as much to the contractors.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
Almost as much - but actually much less. It's much cheaper to not have to offer benefits to contractors. : )
Alot of employers will say they are unable to offer health care due to previous health conditions...
It happened to my mother after she beat cancer and decided to change jobs....no-one wanted her on their health care package because it would raise everyones premium
"my first name must be, "He aint sh@t", cause everytime I come through, yall be like "He aint sh@t"!....I'll be dat" --Redman
"Anything that can go wrong, Will go wrong"----Murphy's Law
Pretty much, whatever I decide to do I will be stuck doing because of the break in health insurance. I have to find a job I like that will remain stable. Some places decide that you'll be covered for preexisting only if you've been there a year.
My best chances are working for the state (I don't know anything about federal benefits) or a big international corporation. They hire so many people, they don't usually hold preexisting against you.
If we had universal health care, I wouldn't have to stay in the system.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
Okay I don't think you read my blog carefully. First off I am very sorry about your situation, I wouldn't wish that on anybody. But, you did not read in paragraph one that says "Except for certain circumstances" you fall under that meaning that blog wasn't meant for you. My whole purpose of the blog was to address the issue that ALOT OF ABLE, HEALTHY people are taking advantage of the system that is meant for the people that really needs it because they feel like it's FREE MONEY. See you made a statement in your blog that relates to my purpose of the blog "I was cut from food stamps because I get PELL grants. That's messed up because you are actually doing someone for yourself; going to college to pursue a career and they cut it off. " NOW CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT THEY ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE TODAY THAT ARE ABLED AND HEALTHY BUT ARE TOO DAMN LAZY to work hard , go to school to pick up a trade and provide and are GETTING THE FOOD STAMPS THAT YOU DESERVE????????
I beleive that if you wasn't under these circumstance, you would work and be able to provide for your self.
Also, I saw that you gave your opinion on one someones quote "It deeply frustrates me to know that there are many people living on dollars a day for whatever reason, be it that they are disabled, a single parent, stuck in a rut, etc.. (You forgot the rest and quickly came to a conclusion) First off, IT IS frustrating to see someone especially some one you love, in a bind. What, you're supposed to be happy? I mean she probably didn't mean that "Damn it, they're in a bad situation so I'm going to turn my head around." She probably meant two things: "I wish I could help them because they are in a deep bind." Or"Why bad things had to happen to them, they are good people.
.This is the rest of the quote that you probably forgot to read. "It frustrates me even further to know that SOME people are taking advantage of what the government is offering".DOING THE DAMN THING!!
I did read the whole thing, but I just didn't take it that way, obviously.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."