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[notadmblnd]

107. Maybe, but my sister is 55 and was uninsured and has been uninsured for several years

She recently went to the ER with severe stomach pain. Turned out she has diverticulitis (sp?). It is where the intestine develops small pockets much like an appendix and things like seeds and nuts get stuck in them and become inflamed. Hers was so bad that she was excreting blood.

Anyhow, she basically told the hospital that she had no way to pay. She was there two days. The person at the hospital who works with "poor losers" put her in touch with organizations that could help. By being a little humble and following through, all her ER bills and hospital bills were paid. They got her on our states medicaid and now she even has dental. She pays a small co-pay. 15 dollars per visit and that includes counseling. She's having all her teeth pulled and it is costing her 15 dollars a visit for the extractions and 135 per plate.

Another woman I know is 51. She has no insurance and has seizures. Currently her Dr works with her, He calls in her anti seizure medication once a year instead of making her visit the office every month. She has been hospitalized several times since I've known her with seizures and instead of asking for help, she checks herself out because she is too proud to tell them that she can't afford to pay.

I've tried to convince her to follow through, ask for help and do what is asked of her in order to get her the assistance she needs. I'm certain that she would qualify for SSI disability, but again she won't so much as make a phone call or follow the process. It's much easier for her to complain about her plight I guess.

So perhaps if you took a deep breath, calmed down a little and logged on to your States website, you might be able to find some programs that could help you? Catholic Social Services is also a great resource that may help you get the help you need. If you are unemployed, in October, you should qualify for your states medicaid program. It should not take til the 1st of the year for you to get on the program- especially if you have a medical emergency.

I've listened to both of the woman who's situations I've described above. I listened to my sister complain for years about not being able to get medical attention. My sister finally realized that she had to take action. I'm still listening to the other one complain, she hasn't realized that she is the one making it hard on herself.