“Hurry up and die already!”

That’s what I’m hearing from my government and the pharmaceutical companies.

I collect $2500 a month from Social Security, out of which the US Government takes $202 as a premium for my Medicare coverage.  That leaves me less than $2300 to cover all the household expenses – the mortgage, utilities, the car payment, etc.  In addition, Medicare requires a 20% co-pay for my Remicade infusions – currently that 20% is just over $400 every six weeks.  My annual out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare is $8,500, which is roughly 28% of my annual income.

Thank God my husband also collects Social Security, but his monthly allotment is only enough to cover his own Medicare, his own medical expenses, groceries for both of us,  and Puppy Cody’s dog food and vet bills.  At least we won’t starve any time soon, although we have had to cut back on all non-essentials.  The government won’t help us with food; I already applied for SNAP (food stamps) and was turned down because our income is too high (really???).

Push came to shove when the utilities started to rise.  As I mentioned in previous posts, I applied for and was able to receive HEAP (for heating) and EEAP (for electrical services).  That helps a lot, but the medical expenses are still a struggle.

In desperation, I asked my gastroenterologist’s staff for help.  Bear in mind that I’ve spent my entire life working and supporting myself and my family, without ever asking for assistance in paying the bills.  It was embarrassing to be in such a position.  God bless the young man in my doctor’s office who spent hours on the phone trying to find a program that would work for me.

Turned out the pharmaceutical company does not provide assistance for people who are on Medicare.  However, people who are working and have commercial insurance can qualify for the free drug program.  How is that fair?  When I was working and had commercial insurance, I didn’t need help with my Remicade costs; now that I’m struggling and would be happy with any amount of assistance, I can’t get it.

There are private foundations set up to help with medication costs, and that young man in my doctor’s office contacted every one of them, only to learn that none of them have any money left.  He even contacted my pharmacy, but since Remicade is by infusion and is a Medicare Part B medicine, the pharmacy can’t help, either.

Something has to give.

Ballrooms, arches, refurbished decorative pools, new statue parks, and pointless wars are top priorities for our current administration, while cuts are being made to programs designed to benefit this country’s neediest citizens.  Can’t someone, somewhere have some compassion for us senior citizens?  We shouldn’t have to face the end of our lives trying to decide between housing, food, and medical care.

That’s enough of a rant for today.  If you have extra money (please stop laughing) and are willing to part with it, I will gladly accept monetary gifts.  I’m no longer too proud to do so.

Hugs, all.

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I love to hear from my readers. You may comment on this post or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com
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Image by Cordelia’s Mom/TeddyRosalieStudio