Have to find a PM doc without insurance!

The uninsured thing sucks. I was fortunate that I was already established with my pain doctor and considered a maintenance patient when I lost my insurance, so he was willing to keep me as a patient. It's definitely not a cheap blessing, though. Normally, I pay $200 for the monthly office visit, plus $180-200 a month for my meds. I had to make 2 office visits this month, so now I'm beyond broke.

I'm getting ready to buy a low cost policy, with an absolutely ridiculous deductible, that won't cover a single thing I need, just so I can start checking off the months for the whole "creditable coverage" thing, so that my pre-existing conditions will no longer be pre-existing.

 

   Dear P A Lady,

 

     Good Morning *warm huggs* I tried to use my kindle to send a quick note yesterday, and then it ran out of battery juice! But you said something yesterday...

" Insurance companies are holding everyone hostage right now, but let's not get into a debate here!"

     The horrible part is we would gladly pay any ransom if we wernt already broke! 

 

     I had brought this up to a friend of mine and we talked for hours and hours about the differance between care in Australia vs United States. (shes living temporarly in California). I was amazed at the differance. She kept saying "dental" was expensive, but when we talked about how much I had just paid for my extensive dental work, she was speechless!!!! Even with health coverage here in the US, she has to wait til she gets "back home" before she can tend to her chronic illness. Seems every day she is witnessing what we all go through here and is "horrorified" constantly.  Uses her health care just for basic service, and even then is sadly dissapointed. Can't say I blame her. I just wish, more than anything, that we could have some level or "functionality" restored to our lives. We all have the capability to do so much!!!! How can a "corprate empire" choose the quality of our lives? Argh!!!!! Okay, okay, I know... dont get political... ARGH!!!!

 

     And here you are, caught in the middle, NEEDING help, NEEDING insurance to survive!!! Gosh, im really working up a mad. Sorry, it isnt my place. I just wish, more than anything, there was something I could do. *warmest huggs*

 

*huggs*

  dani

It's easy to criminalize doctors who don't accept gov. health programs like medicare or people with no insurance, but you have to keep in mind that it's a job like any other and they need to provide for themselves + families as well. From what I've seen, health care in America is first and foremost a business.

GCoin,
I don't think I've welcomed you to the forum. You may want to start a new thread of your own and introduce yourself to the group.

I'm well aware of both sides of health care, being both patient and provider, including running a small business. So I don't fault doctors for that; reimbursements need to at least cover costs, and they often don't. People often don't realize the insurance company gives you a contract and unless you're a huge organization, there is no bargaining. The cover letter will state something to the effect if the contract is altered at all it is null and void. So they pretty much tell small providers, hospitals, etc. to "take it or leave it". Fair - not outrageous - reimbursements are really the answer.

Rhonda,
I wish that one person could wave a magic wand and get something done, but it's so complex. Even TennCare (I think that's your Mediaid, right?) is a combination federal/state program. That's what all Medicaid programs are, which means each state can set certain policies and determine limits on coverage. And as both the states and the federal government get crunched for money (regardless of political party, money crunch is a reality) services get cut. I know if my situation continues for too much longer I should be able to qualify for Medicaid, but it gets to be a double edged sword because of the limited choice of providers and treatment that's available. It's scary when you don't have money. This is the first time in my life I haven't had insurance through work, or paid for private insurance on my own (big $$ there!).

Sigh.......

Hugs!

PaLady

Hi PaLady!

I know this has to be so hard and also frightening for you and I'm so sorry. I only wish I was closer so I could either come give you a giant hug or just bring you home. But you're a mighty long way from where I live so that's out of the question.

So...a couple of questions. Have you tried calling the local Red Cross? They have ideas and links to lots of help including insurance and other helps. If not I do think it's time you give them a call.

Also, have you looked into the links below to get help with medications or even free meds? That's something else that might help.

Another thing I would do if I were you... write to your local congressman/men/woman...lol We're moving toward November and in some areas there are folks running for reelection to state or federal offices. That's the very best time to get them to move mountains for you. But even without an election coming up, write to them anyway! You can do it online and when you are ready to submit your letter they will ask if you want a copy sent to all of the other representatives you have at the state and federal level. I did this for an organization that was getting pushed around and my phone about rang off the hook immediately! Look, you are single, a female, disabled, about to lose your home and everything you own. So hold on to your dignity, grab that phone and start things working FOR you for a change....OK?

Email me whenever you 'd like to chat,
Chutz

http://www.pparx.org/

http://www.needymeds.org/

Chutzie,
Better be careful or you'll have me showing up at your doorstep with my little suitcase of meds in tow - while I'm on my way to Australia (to see golitho!). Maybe that's the answer - plan a trip to see everyone! Oh, if I had my health and a little money I'd get in a car and plan out my route!

Chutzie I have the meds all organized. That pparx.org site has been a HUGE help and I'm getting everything but my percocet and my antibiotic (for dental stuff) at no cost. But ya gotta have a script to get the percocet. That's the problem. I just filled one today at WalMart and I have one for November. The Red Cross really isn't going to help me any more than what I've been able to do. No one can force a doctor to prescribe something. I can only try to see if that doctor my cousin knows is back in his office yet, and is able and willing to see me. I understand he was pretty badly injured in an accident and is only back part time.

I should know tomorrow (well, the woman from BC/BS I spoke with Friday told me to call her tomorrow, and she'd know) whether I'm being approved for that low income policy. At least that will cover (or so I'm told) the endoscopies. I'm also going to try that doctor's office again this week to see if he's able to take me on now. But he is 3 hours away, yet many people here have to travel. I'm praying we don't have a harsh winter, but my hopes aren't high since we've broken our low temperature TWO out of the past 4 nights! It's in the upper 20's here tonight!!!! And oh, what that does to the heating bills!

Golitho - at least you make me feel like I'm not crazy. It sure does seem that a lot of stuff keeps hitting me. I feel like I just start getting up on my feet and I get kicked back down again. And what few people realize is how exhausting it is to fill out form after form - then have to follow up on each program, re-send forms, call people, etc., etc., etc. Becoming poor is a full time job.

And you ask some great questions, Golitho. Not just for me, but for many of us. And we are fairly powerless, to a certain degree, especially if you live in smaller communities where choices are limited. But there are over 40 million people here in the U.S. without insurance (yes, I know some debate the number, but it's high no matter which one you choose). Most of these are working people whose employers either don't provide insurance, or who can no longer afford their share of the premium. Lots like me who fall just short of the qualifications for a goverment insurance like Medicaid. And you know even if/when I get SSD, that does not automatically include health insurance. You have to wait 2 years from the date your disability started to be eligible for Medicare. That, to me, is one of the craziest policies I've ever heard of. And believe me, I've been in touch with all my representatives - numerous times!

Thank you all again!

PaLady

You are so right about the 2 yr wait for Medicare. If I am found disabled and need an income don't you think I need help some sort of ins at the same time to see a dr because I am disabled. Whoever thought that part up must have had some brain fart when it came to that part. I still have not been able to figure that one out. Nor, have I understand how SSD could be awarded to a person and them not be awarded Medicare benefits either. I have seen this happen too. One person this happened to and she was not eligible for Medicaid either she had nothing. Had a $400 a month SS check and no medical coverage.

No, you can get the monthy disability check thru Social Security and not get Medicare. They are two separate entities, alot of people are not aware of this, they think the two are automatic, but not true. This gal really needed Medicare because she had some pretty tough medical problems and she was banking on getting Medicare. TrailBlazers is the medical end of things and they are owned by BCBS. She appealed and the whole bit with a very good atty but did not get it. I wish I could remember off the top of my head the reason too.

I have to step back on some of that stuff you are talking about because I get so worked up and mad and then the blood pressure goes nuts-so its just not worth the grief. If I sit there and stress out watching that stuff it comes back on me. I have a sister in W. Va. that just thrives on watching that and she gets so worked up and then calls me and rants about it,lol.

I fell asleep too and now here I sit wide eyed just not what I need to be doing either. Makes it a rough day tomorrow. It really is so easy to get the sleep pattern destroyed. Its 3:02 my time, I will lay down around 5-6 and sleep till 9:00.

My car is 12 yrs old too and I have taken excellent care of it because this was to be my last new car most likely. At least that is my hopes. I have very low miles on it. I actually bought new tires and after 4 yrs they were rotting. I had less than 12,000 miles on the tires and the place I bought them from replaced those tires all I paid was $56 for tax and the warranty and road hazard thing. I was very lucky. I intend on having it repainted in the spring. I had it repainted once.

If Medicare keeps cutting back their fees on what they pay these drs anyone on it will be screwed to the wall because it is hard already finding drs willing to accept Medicare patients. I live in a large city and let me tell you, its tough finding drs. After having to switch over to Medicare, you are as looked down on for having it as the people that have Medicaid.  I totally understand how some of our people on the forum feel. Another thing with Medicare is I hope I never have to go to a hospital for anything, if I do I may as well start selling things. They pay so little on hospital charges and then we get hit wth the rest. I am sure I will get a knot in my stomach when I start getting the bills for this arm. Oh well enough about this, not a darn thing I can do about it.

Thanks, Pete! Maybe I need to come to a doctor in Florida before they shut things down! It is crazy, isn't it? The difference between states right here in the U.S., nevermind between countries!

All my regular doctors will prescribe all my other stuff but the percocet. I haven't changed the amount I've been on in 2 years. I don't go over the MDD or the amount prescribed. If anything. I might on a really good day take one less. All I want is a little relief, just like the rest of us.

And I wonder why my acid reflux is acting up again these past few days - which is not good for someone like me who's already sitting with a precancerous esophagus.

I am exhausted from fighting all this junk. I worked my whole life until recently. Paid my taxes. Struggled with money, but paid my bills. Never abused a drug or doctor's orders.

Ok, I'm starting to rant. Enough for now.

Thank you all for your hugs and kindness!

PaLady

Everyone deserves good health care, especially those in crisis. Let's try to remain compassionate and supportive.

PA, while driving back into Fla. a couple days ago coming in from Georgia just past the "Welcome to Florida" sign there was a much bigger sign. On it was was printed wityh huge letters> "Pain Management call ###-###-####!!! A pain clinic in Jacksonville trying to get the southbound traffic on I-95 to come buy narcotics from them!!! Whats wrong with this picture???
Sorry but I just had to share that with you.
Your Buddy,
Pete

Sending more hugs back, thinking of you PAlady, sure wish I could help you out too.
You're such a warm compassionate person, I love all your wisdom and great practical advice, you deserve better from this world than the lot dished up to you at the moment.
Keep your head up, golitho