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Health Care Stories: "Even if I could get health insurance there would be no way I could afford it"
Susan should not have to choose between working and keeping medical coverage. As a person dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, the prospect of national healthcare reform might open new doors for her and lower her unaffordable healthcare costs.
“I am a woman who has been living with HIV for 17 years. I have worked in an industry that consists of small companies, and therefore when I got out of college, I was unable to obtain health insurance due to my status.
I was healthy for quite a while but a few years ago got very sick. After much debt, I finally qualified for Medicaid, and then Medicare. As I have regained my health, I find myself in the same boat as before.
I want to work, to be a productive member of society, however, by doing so, I risk losing what little health care I have and my drugs alone cost $41,000 last year, and that was not including the hospital visits I had the prior 3 years!
Now at 39, with a college degree, I live so far below the poverty line that it will take a lot to dig my way out. I find myself trying to decide between living off of the government to obtain medical care, or working and lose all of it. It is a terrible place to be when all I want to do is build a future like anyone else.
I have permanent kidney damage from the HIV, among other things, but still would simply love to do what I love for a living. The reality is that I will never be able to do that and maintain my health as the system is set up now.
Even if I could get health insurance, there would be no way for me to afford it. Without a drug plan, I would not be able to survive for very long.”
Susan, Illinois
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*Please note that actual names have been changed to protect individual's confidentiality. Media interested in interviewing HIV-positive people about health-coverage issues should contact AFC Communications Director Johnathon Briggs at jbriggs@aidschicago or 312-334-0922.
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"nelson"'s situation is heartbreaking. i am currently paying for
short-term medical insurance but i am fortunate enough to be healthy.
i can't believe the amount he is paying in premiums, just to find
himself without coverage again. i hope congress does the right thing
here.
Degree Program AND Online International business degree AND Industrial Engineering Degree
Advocates note that ONAP had already gained relevance in the eyes of
the Administration due to the AIDS community's work to secure $1.4
million for the development of the National AIDS Strategy (NAS) in the
upcoming omnibus budget bill, which is poised go into effect on March 6
when the continuing resolution ends.
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isn't it ridiculous how once you cross a line of income all your benefits disappear, or at least a proportion so high that it doesn't make any sense whatsoever? my heart goes out to you and i hope you can find a way to work and maintain your health.
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