Denisemomof4 Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 If the disability claim decides that he's been disabled for 24 months or more, it will come with medical coverage (medicare?). how long have you been waiting for an answer on this, and how long do you expect to wait? Would being a bug up their @ss make them move quicker? :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I'm so sorry Adrien is still not getting the help he desperately needs,and for the stress it puts on all of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 Contact your local paper perhaps? Might be a good human interest story. That might get someone important to listen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted October 26, 2011 Author Share Posted October 26, 2011 I don't know your specifics or which state you live in. But, is there a county hospital? They take everyone. Most hospitals also have outpatient clinics. When you present to a hospital without insurance, the admissions staff help you with all paperwork. All that said, if you have any assets, that will count against you ( higher copay). Why can't he go on Medicare? He needs to find a primary doc who can write for full disability. (even temporary). I sure hope this helps and so sorry for you! Yes. And no. Audrey offered an accurate answer (and support :grouphug:). I can answer more specifically, though. My county does not have adequate medical indigent care options. We do not have a county hospital. I could almost spit on Houston from where I live; but do not have access to the hospital system beyond the stabilzing care Audrey mentioned. His disease is beyond outpatient clinics and regular hospital care. The "help" that is given at hospitals has been part of the help that told us to go to UTMB. :glare: Social Workers are a "sister" profession to mine, and I am not feeling terribly.....impressed by them right now. That said, one of the Social Workers at one of the hospitals he's been admitted to has been very helpful with the disability claim. :) One of the reasons I want to move back to Harris County is for better access, but even then I'm not sure that the GI specialty will be "enough". But it might get us closer to "enough". Even if it doesn't, I'll save hundreds on rent and gas and will be able to breathe. :tongue_smilie: Your questions are kind-hearted, but I think possibly you are a bit naive of the system. He can't go on medicare because my income is over the limit (if you include child support :lol:). A doctor writing "full disability" is kind of one of those urban legends. ;) A disability claim searches your entire last decade, requests records, and does their own due dilligence. We have one pending. It's in the medical evaluation stage now, and DH has an appointment with one of their Drs. next month. (Not for treatment, but to evaluate how messed up he is or isn't.) Senator John Cornyn, bless his heart, checks on it about once every 4 weeks. Or at least tells one of his staff too. ;) Kalanamak mentioned the Liver transplant list. The good news is that the list is less cumbersome than it used to be. You can have a live liver donor now, and the match does not need to be as perfect as it once was. My DH's cirrhosis is not self-induced (not by drugs or alcohol), and he's "only" 59. He's never smoked, and never even TRIED a street drug. (How we ended up together, I'll never know. :lol:) My point is that he'd do ok on the list (being what it is). It's getting him there before he dies that is the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted October 26, 2011 Author Share Posted October 26, 2011 Contact your local paper perhaps? Might be a good human interest story. That might get someone important to listen. You know, I thought about this. And contacting local conservative talk radio. Adrian is former Houston PD; that would give a spin they'd like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 Have you talked to anyone from the National Foundation for Transplants? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 http://www.liverfoundation.org/downloads/alf_download_892.pdf financial resources for liver disease patients :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funschooler5 Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug: I'm so sorry Joanne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug: no words Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber in AUS Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 What an awful position to be in. Thinking of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 He can't go on medicare because my income is over the limit (if you include child support :lol:). Why are you still married, then? In most states, you can get a divorce in 30 days. I have suggested before that, if your health coverage does not have a pre-existing condition exclusion, you divorce and immediately remarry to create a special enrollment right. Many plans these days do not have PCEs, or do not have for those who enroll when they are first eligible to do so, which would usually apply to a new spouse. You also might qualify for a Medicaid supplement under which Medicaid would pay the premium for his coverage rather than covering him directly or, and this is not unheard of, the hospital where he is getting indigent care may pay the premium. It is certainly cheaper for them to pay the premium and get reimbursed for some of their charges than to not pay the premium and get reimbursed for any of it. Terri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renee in NC Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 how long have you been waiting for an answer on this, and how long do you expect to wait? Would being a bug up their @ss make them move quicker? :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Even if he is approved for disability quickly (which almost never happens) the wait time for Medicare is still 2 years. My stepmother has MS, is on disability, and had to wait two years for Medicare. It isn't that it takes that long to get approved, it's policy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I am heart-broken for you. It's like you can't seem to catch a break. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug: I'm trying to think of words to type, but then I realized there really aren't any words that would say what I want to say. This does it best. --> :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 Hon, I am so sorry for you and your hubby. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret in GA Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug: Have you asked his doctor what you can do? Surely someone practicing in that field knows where you can go to get treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 Where has all of the compassion gone? Faith It's been abandoned in favor of the bottom line. astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted October 26, 2011 Author Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug: Have you asked his doctor what you can do? Surely someone practicing in that field knows where you can go to get treatment. Um, of course we've asked every medical setting. If you don't have $ or insurance; you truly don't have options for specialized or advanced liver care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyniffrec Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug: Have you asked his doctor what you can do? Surely someone practicing in that field knows where you can go to get treatment. This is one of the awful realities of our system, especially with transplants. There are so few organs that if you can't pay then you don't get treatment because there are a lot of other people who want those organs who can pay. I can't even express my feelings about this without getting very emotional. Joanne, I sent you a pm. I hope that's okay. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Anne Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I have not read all 8 pages so forgive me if this has been said, Have you contacted your congressman or senator? Perhaps they can help. Praying for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimberly in IN Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug: I truly wish I had words of wisdom to offer. Prayers for your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted October 26, 2011 Author Share Posted October 26, 2011 Why are you still married, then? In most states, you can get a divorce in 30 days. I have suggested before that, if your health coverage does not have a pre-existing condition exclusion, you divorce and immediately remarry to create a special enrollment right. Many plans these days do not have PCEs, or do not have for those who enroll when they are first eligible to do so, which would usually apply to a new spouse. You also might qualify for a Medicaid supplement under which Medicaid would pay the premium for his coverage rather than covering him directly or, and this is not unheard of, the hospital where he is getting indigent care may pay the premium. It is certainly cheaper for them to pay the premium and get reimbursed for some of their charges than to not pay the premium and get reimbursed for any of it. Terri My health insurance (as most) does not cover pre existing. In addition; it would cost an additional $400 or more a month which is not something my budget can absorb right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 The county hospital might have to see her dh, and they might be obligated to stabilize him, but they are NOT under any obligation whatsoever to provide him with the TREATMENT and THERAPY and SURGERY that he needs in order to have any chance of recovering from his illness. All the hospital has to do is get him to a state where he is stable -- not well -- just stable. Once they've done that, they can kick him out the door. And then he goes home, deteriorates again, goes back to the hospital, who merely stablizes his immediate condition, but does nothing to treat his illness, then sends him home again to start the vicious cycle all over again. In my local ER, they have signs to this effect posted in the ER in both English and Spanish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 You know, I thought about this. And contacting local conservative talk radio. Adrian is former Houston PD; that would give a spin they'd like. Do it!!! Former cop unable to access medical care sounds like a great story for them!!! I know in our paper we have the "Accent" section, that does human interest stories. Lots of people have gotten help that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted October 26, 2011 Author Share Posted October 26, 2011 I have not read all 8 pages so forgive me if this has been said,Have you contacted your congressman or senator? Perhaps they can help. Praying for you. Yes, both plus the President and others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 You know, I thought about this. And contacting local conservative talk radio. Adrian is former Houston PD; that would give a spin they'd like. Joanne, I think contacting both media and his former department is an excellent idea. When one our local, retired officers came down with cancer and needed a treatment that his insurance would not pay for (cost about $175,000.00), the PD did the fundraising and they did raise the entire cost. That's in this crazy little rural county no where near anything. So, I'm thinking that the Houston PD, if they are of a mind to help, could probably raise a lot. At any rate, I think the media might role with this one if you can latch on to the right reporter. Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug: no words....It's all so wrong on so many levels.....I wish there was something I could do besides offer a cyber hug. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I wish we had true, nationalized healthcare for *everyone* in this country. :grouphug:, Joanne. I can't even begin to imagine how tough it must be to be in your shoes. :crying: :iagree::iagree::iagree: Well... you see... this is a common misconception and/or misunderstanding that most people seem to have, but which Joanne's case sadly illustrates as patently untrue. The county hospital might have to see her dh, and they might be obligated to stabilize him, but they are NOT under any obligation whatsoever to provide him with the TREATMENT and THERAPY and SURGERY that he needs in order to have any chance of recovering from his illness. All the hospital has to do is get him to a state where he is stable -- not well -- just stable. Once they've done that, they can kick him out the door. And then he goes home, deteriorates again, goes back to the hospital, who merely stablizes his immediate condition, but does nothing to treat his illness, then sends him home again to start the vicious cycle all over again. Joanne has already been through that cycle several times now. Her dh needs treatment and no hospital (so far) will give it to her. So... when people say that a hospital HAS to treat you, they are wrong. They only have to stablize your current condition. They don't HAVE to treat a doggone thing. And, that is a disgusting practice that has no place in any compassionate country. Exactly. I have read many stories of patients being put on a bus, going home, and immediately relapsing. If you're not in coma, they can pretty much send you home. Joanne, I think contacting both media and his former department is an excellent idea. When one our local, retired officers came down with cancer and needed a treatment that his insurance would not pay for (cost about $175,000.00), the PD did the fundraising and they did raise the entire cost. That's in this crazy little rural county no where near anything. So, I'm thinking that the Houston PD, if they are of a mind to help, could probably raise a lot. At any rate, I think the media might role with this one if you can latch on to the right reporter. Faith Oh, it would be wonderful if that would work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleIzumi Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 Joanne, I think contacting both media and his former department is an excellent idea. When one our local, retired officers came down with cancer and needed a treatment that his insurance would not pay for (cost about $175,000.00), the PD did the fundraising and they did raise the entire cost. That's in this crazy little rural county no where near anything. So, I'm thinking that the Houston PD, if they are of a mind to help, could probably raise a lot. At any rate, I think the media might role with this one if you can latch on to the right reporter. Faith :iagree::iagree::iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I'm so sorry. I really wish I had something more constructive to say....but there just isn't anything. I will pray that you catch a break somewhere and a door will open...quickly. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I'm so sorry. :grouphug: I agree go with the media angle. That might get you some help. Also contact your local, state and federal politicians. While I'm not for government-run universal healthcare I think there should be something in place for people in situations like yours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret in GA Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 Um, of course we've asked every medical setting. If you don't have $ or insurance; you truly don't have options for specialized or advanced liver care. :grouphug: I realize that sounded like a dumb question. Just thought someone might be able to suggest somewhere, anywhere that your husband could get treatment. It's so shocking to me that there is a treatment and that you cannot get it. :confused: I hope somehow this ridiculous medical system gets fixed. Margaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I'm so very sorry Joanne. My prayers will be with you and your family. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelissaMinNC Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug: :grouphug: and prayers, Joanne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saw Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I haven't read the whole thread so maybe someone has suggested this before -- but could your dh be eligible to claim non-US citizenship from a country that has national health? Through his grandparents or something? I realize that this would take time and then money to move to the country in question, but depending on the country's rules, if he could get a passport, he might then be eligible for care in that country? I know it sounds completely crazy, but if nothing else works, even a longshot might be worth looking into. My dh is now looking into getting a German passport on grounds that his grandmother was German, so I know that some countries to consider claims through grandparents etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 When I had no insurance with my rare liver disease, I signed up for an FDA Drug Study to gain some help medically. Have you tried looking at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston for the Drug Studies they do all of the time? Many people who are at their end of the rope sign up for studies due to your situation and no insurance. HTH http://www.bcm.edu/clinicalstudies/index.cfm?PMID=0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 Forgot to mention... but this info may be of help. If you can find a doctor to sign the SSI/Disability form, then your hubby can apply for it and gain TX Medicaid coverage. In March, TX Medicaid goes up a "notch" with Amerigroup coverage that is accepted by many hospitals. If your hubby doesn't qualify for SSI/Disability, then try going to the TX High Risk Pool. http://www.txhealthpool.org/ We have used it many times in the past when COBRA coverage ended for us and we needed insurance for our rare liver disease. Our daily meds alone cost $7500 a month per person, for example. When I did get High Risk coverage, it was expensive at $330 a month per person, but it was very good insurance -- Blue Cross/Blue Shield. If it helps, I know of so many people with our rare liver disease in over their heads in debt due to health costs or no insurance. It is very common to have to declare bankruptcy due to outrageous medical bills for these families. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristineW Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I'm so very sorry. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In2why Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 My health insurance (as most) does not cover pre existing. In addition; it would cost an additional $400 or more a month which is not something my budget can absorb right now. Joanne I can't imagine how hard this is for you guys. I do have to add, at the risk of being insensitive, that I would do whatever to make it in the budget, even if that meant not paying rent/mortgage and getting evicted, or going bankrupt. The only reason I say this is that my father had liver disease, also not alcohol related, and he did have insurance through the VA. They treated the disease with various treatments and when he finally was able to transfer to the liver transplant specialists in Virginia (where the VA does transplants) they discovered that cancer of the liver had developed, which is very common with liver disease. Because the liver is sectional once cancer spreads to both lobes, and this happens fast, it is non-operable and a liver transplant was no longer and option. I am haunted by should have's and could have's. I wish I had hope that writing representatives would help. I wish with all my heart that no one ever had to face financial worries at the same time they were dealing with heartrending medical problems. If you do decide to set up a foundation (I believe the bank will do it for you) to try and raise money for his care, please post it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moxie Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 I assume you've looked for a job with insurance? My DHs work insurance has no pre-existing conditions issues. I'm sure you have, just throwing it out there. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadianmumof5 Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 Joanne - I'm so sorry for the heartache this is causing. :grouphug: Is your DH insurable at all at this point? Is there any insurance company that would be willing to cover him for this if you paid a monthly premium? Or is that not even an option at this point? I know the $$ is an issue right now - but let's assume for a moment that it isn't. Could you get coverage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingnlearning Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 (edited) I'm so sorry, I can't imagine. :( Edited October 26, 2011 by livingnlearning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted October 26, 2011 Share Posted October 26, 2011 Joanne I can't imagine how hard this is for you guys. I do have to add, at the risk of being insensitive, that I would do whatever to make it in the budget, even if that meant not paying rent/mortgage and getting evicted, or going bankrupt. The only reason I say this is that my father had liver disease, also not alcohol related, and he did have insurance through the VA. They treated the disease with various treatments and when he finally was able to transfer to the liver transplant specialists in Virginia (where the VA does transplants) they discovered that cancer of the liver had developed, which is very common with liver disease. Because the liver is sectional once cancer spreads to both lobes, and this happens fast, it is non-operable and a liver transplant was no longer and option. I am haunted by should have's and could have's. I wish I had hope that writing representatives would help. I wish with all my heart that no one ever had to face financial worries at the same time they were dealing with heartrending medical problems. If you do decide to set up a foundation (I believe the bank will do it for you) to try and raise money for his care, please post it. :iagree: Forgive me for being insensitive and saying we've gone into massive credit card debt to cover our medical expenses in the past. You do what you have to do. That being said, I agree with the above post -- go to your local news channel or paper and get a fund going for the liver transplant. You will be surprised by how many people locally will want to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted October 26, 2011 Author Share Posted October 26, 2011 Joanne - I'm so sorry for the heartache this is causing.:grouphug: Is your DH insurable at all at this point? Is there any insurance company that would be willing to cover him for this if you paid a monthly premium? Or is that not even an option at this point? I know the $$ is an issue right now - but let's assume for a moment that it isn't. Could you get coverage? In terms of regular coverage, he'll likely never be insurable again. Joanne I can't imagine how hard this is for you guys. I do have to add, at the risk of being insensitive, that I would do whatever to make it in the budget, even if that meant not paying rent/mortgage and getting evicted, or going bankrupt. The only reason I say this is that my father had liver disease, also not alcohol related, and he did have insurance through the VA. They treated the disease with various treatments and when he finally was able to transfer to the liver transplant specialists in Virginia (where the VA does transplants) they discovered that cancer of the liver had developed, which is very common with liver disease. Because the liver is sectional once cancer spreads to both lobes, and this happens fast, it is non-operable and a liver transplant was no longer and option. I am haunted by should have's and could have's. I wish I had hope that writing representatives would help. I wish with all my heart that no one ever had to face financial worries at the same time they were dealing with heartrending medical problems. If you do decide to set up a foundation (I believe the bank will do it for you) to try and raise money for his care, please post it. Yes, I hear you. If we move to Harris County, we'll save hundreds a month. We need some of that for survival. But if we get disability, we'll have additional funds. If, at that point, we aren't given the "24 month disability" option, I may be in a position to pay a monthly premium using the pre-existing pool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted October 27, 2011 Share Posted October 27, 2011 FWIW, if your dh was on the Houston PD, he was in the Union, right? I would call the Union and see if someone can get you access to the local media and/or fund raising help. Continuing to pray.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Anne Posted October 27, 2011 Share Posted October 27, 2011 Yes, both plus the President and others. I am very, very sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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