What state are you in? Did you call your state reps? Is their a
waiver program where you are? It is totally separate from medicare.
I get both. Medicare covers 80% of my medical bills/equipment.
Medicaid covers the extra 20% and covers the waiver program. Not only attendant
care but there is an amount of money for assistant equipment. Like I can
use some of that money on my van if DORS doesn't cover it. Also you can
make more money in the waiver. It's big time phone call making for
you. Call the health dept. I put some things that they help me with
in another post I just did. It can be done. If it comes to it, call
the news stations.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 8:16
PM
Subject: [QUAD-L] Nursing home /
TonyPony1/Stacy
Tony,
Thanks for the kind sentiments
and for forwarding my email to your BSCIP counselor. :o) Btw, what is
BSCIP?
Stacy,
I'm aware that they are
supposed to be programs to help people keep out or move from nursing
homes and they vary from state to state. I tried very hard not to come into
this place, but when I was forced onto Medicare in 2001 (tried refusing and
was told "It's FREE so you can't turn it down") and it cut my home health aide
twice daily 7 days a week visits (medicaid funded) to once a day 3
times a week. I only got then $567 a month to pay my bills and feed
myself there was no way I could afford to pay for attendant care on that. In
all the numerous calls I made I stressed over and over that simply being put
on Medicare did in no way cure my quadriplegia and I still needed care 7 days
a week. Their response? "Well, you're stuck between a rock and a hard place,
Miss Dial." Gee, ya think? It's not simply a matter of "those who WANT to get
out of nursing homes can" it's also a matter of those who can AFFORD to get
out. I did some figuring and had the government helped me to stay home my care
may have cost $1500 a month. Now? Just sharing half a room monthly, not
including cost of supplies and meds, $4000 a month. Someone benefits
monetarily from my situation, unfortunately, it's not me. Though, please, if
you know something I don't - share it.
Stephanie
c3/c4 18 yrs
post
