:shrug: No Ins. No Disability yet - what to do?

Hi! Have have not had health Ins for a year and a half due to the fact that I can not finance it. I am currently filing for disability and am at the last stage - the hearing process. I'm hoping that when I get disability I can then have my surgery, but I'm scared that if I don't what will happen to me. There is no way I can work with my depression/anxiety and morbid obeseity - I hope the Judge will see that. I have my hearing on Feb 27th in Spencer. Pray that I get it! I was wondering if I don't get on disability does the University of Iowa have a program that is set for low income - or shall I say nonexistent income people? My family Dr. says if anything serious happens to me regarding any medical issue that I would have to be transferred to the Universtiy for treatment. I will probably have to talk more with him about his - was just wondering if any of you knew anything about it. Thanks!

Hi Carol! Are you eligible for Medicaid? If so, they do cover WLS (RNY) as long as you meet their criteria. Another idea would be to contact Vocational Rehabilitation. They have been known to cover WLS as well. Best of luck, Sweetie! Sherry

Hi Carol, Somebody didn't explain something to you unless rules have changed. I hate to bring you down further BUT you will NOT be eligible for 2 years for Medicare! There is a waiting list of 1 year plus at Iowa & same way with Nebraska (Creighton). Get your hinney down to DHS & apply for Medicaid. With no income you qualify. Keep in touch we are only a coffee cup away from each other. I'll be happy to help in any way that I can, just let me know Carolyn

Hi Carol, I'm sorry you're in the position you're in, lots of stress. It took me 2 1/2 yrs to get on disability. I got hurt at work, and had NO income at all coming in. I finally got approval at the hearing in front of the judge. The other response was correct, you won't get Medicare for another 6 months after you qualify for disability. During all my waiting time I applied over and over for Medicaid, and was told over and over that I did not qualify because I had been denied by disability. The social worker told me she had to go by their decision. However when I did get disability THEN I qualified for Medicaid and it was retro active back the whole 2 1/2 yrs. But I did not have a doctor that was willing to see me during that time when he didn't know when or if he would get paid, (that's life). I live alone, no family here, no assistance at all. I did get help from General Assistance, they paid my rent and I begged at other agencies to keep the utilities on. I also qualified for state papers, that is based on income and assests. The income limit last year was 10,000 I believe. That program will provide transportation to Univ Of IA City Hosp and clinics, pays for the medical care, meals, lodging, prescriptions. After you are on Medicare, if you still want to go there, you have to provide your own transportation, meals, lodging, I don't know about the prescriptions. They are really good about all the annual stuff, pap smears, mammograms, eye exams, etc. But for me just getting the prescriptions filled for no cost to me was extremely important, I was on 23 drugs a day. They also did my heart bypass. So they were very helpful to me. So it sounds like you would qualify for that program. If I can help with any other info just email me and I will do the best I can. You are in such a bad spot, I really am sorry to hear it. I will keep you in my prayers. Hang in there. Sue

Sue - thanks for the advice - I grew up around CB/Omaha - in a small farm town called Minden. I went to Tri-Center Community Schools in Neola and Iowa Western Community College as well as University of NE at Omaha. I talked to a friend of my fiance who was a lawyer and also worked for the social security dpt and she says I have a great case and can't imagine that I would be turned down - I'm real excited! Hope to talk to you again. Thanks so much!