I'm trying to help a woman on disability and can't afford dr visits/meds. I want to act as her advocate, as this has caused a lot of stress for her and she has numerous health issues. She has tried going to local free clinics before I tried to help, and says that the complexity of her health issues made things difficult. She was born with bone disease and other issues with her organs, and more conditions manifested later on, like glaucoma. She has been ordering what she considers the bare essential medication she needs just to get around and address her physical health issues from online pharmacies. She hasn't had a regular doctor in years, and she needs a evaluation and consistent care as well as prescription drugs that are up to date - not something she was prescribed years ago. She is on disability and has very limited resources. The last time she had an advocate was in the early 2000's, apparently her brother helped her before he passed away. She qualified for medicare part a in 2006, and that's currently all she has. I don't want to sign her up for a plan she can't afford, but i would think with all the recent changes in healthcare policies that there must be something out there can help her get her meds and visit the dr that she can afford.
I created an account for her on mymedicare.gov and entered in the medications she currently takes. I really need to know where to go from here..has anyone been in a similar situation with a friend or family member? Was it recently and are there any new programs that can help her? Thank you for looking over the situation
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http://www.fortpayne.net/agingprograms/
Ask them about applying for SSI Related Programs specifically:
http://medicaid.alabama.gov/documents/3.0_Apply/3.2_Qualifying_Medicaid/3.2_Medicare_Savings_Programs_Revised_5-23-14.pdf
If her SSDI income is under $721 per month she can apply for SSI to bring it up to that amount.
Part C "Medicare Advantage" programs might work for her once she gets Part B - depends on what is being offered in her county, but forget about Medicare supplements, she can't afford it.
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I'd recommend she consider adding Part B, and then looking at a Medicare Advantage policy (usually called Part C, or "Medigap") or a Medicare Supplement policy. These policies pick up the 20% out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare. Some of them include prescription drug coverage, so she won't need a separate Part D policy. My husband has a Medicare Supplement policy through AARP and United Healthcare, and it has been very helpful. You can find out about it through the AARP website.
When you say "Part E," you're probably referring to a Medicare Supplement policy, which has 12 different options, A through L (one of them is called Plan E -- my husband has Plan F). You can see very clear descriptions of all of these through the various websites. The cost of these policies is very reasonable -- some are even free, depending on the person's financial situation.
HAS BEEN eligble for part b and didn't enroll. Being on disablility. Most people on disablility seem to be eligible for part b, and she's been on disablility for some time. I live in Alabama which doesn't have a lot of programs for the elderly, but I am searching. Thanks again for the helpful advice
One last thing, go to "http://www.medicare.gov & click "Find Health & Drug Plans". Here you find information about costs, coverage & QUALITY RATINGS for Medicare plans! Hope this is helpful to you & others to pass on. Since many of us leave this world the same way we came into it; we elderly need all the help we can get and I pray that God will richly bless you for helping this pathetic woman in need!!!
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