Health Care Stories: "I beg you to cut the red tape and look beyond the almighty dollar and see the humans that we are"

Forcing vulnerable individuals suffering from chronic health conditions to wait two years before becoming eligible for Medicare jeopardizes their health by limiting access to proper, affordable treatment.   Eliminating the Medicare waiting period will allow individuals access to continuous and reliable care immediately.

“For the 1-2 year period prior to being diagnosed with AIDS, I was in one doctor's office or another monthly with one unknown infection or the same reoccurring infection, I thought I was going insane, totally crazy.

I had good health insurance at the time and was seeing a private doctor and felt like I was in some of the best medical hands I could be in. I asked the doctors to run every test they could to find out what was wrong with me.

At the time, I was not aware HIV testing was not included when I told them to run “all test they needed to find out what was wrong with me.” After the mental and physical fatigue of fighting this mysterious illness, my self-confidence and self esteem crumbled.  My body became emancipated, and the domino effect took place.

I lost my job, health insurance, home, car, savings, and credit rating along with my health, friends and dignity.

I was finally referred to an area Health Department for an HIV test suggested by a friend. The test was not free. This process in itself was shocking for the personal questions asked were intimidating and there was a total lack of concern for human compassion and respect and sensitivity was not their forte.

After my AIDS diagnosis, I was dependent on the state ADAP program and medical services from a city operated clinic 30+ miles and one county away from where I was staying.

Fortunately I had access to a loaner car for there is no public transportation in the county, however finding gas money was not always easy.  It was almost always borrowed unless I had pawned something.

I had to turn to family for personal hygiene products and for food and shelter as I waited almost 2 years to “qualify” for disability income. It has been 7 years since my diagnosis and I am still awaiting an opening to be placed on a housing list in my area as I continue to live with a friend.

Finding competent rural service providers for HIV treatment or any other illness is virtually impossible especially if you are not insured. The fortunate ones with insurance may be lucky to find a service provider with knowledge and good bedside manners however most providers are located in the larger cities.

With Medicare, I have experienced rudeness from medical providers due to my HIV status and treated like I was not worth treating at all. The social, educational, holistic, pharmaceutical and medical elements needed to care for people living with HIV/AIDS should be equally accessible to all persons living with HIV/AIDS regardless of demographics, race, income, health status or employment status.

Even with Medicare, the out of pocket expenses consumed my 2009 stimulus check and then some. The premium that comes out of my monthly disability income could mean the difference between eating healthy instead of eating basic junk food only to survive. The cost of fruits and vegetables are pricier and healthier than processed foods, which are harmful even to a healthy person.

I beg you, as a woman living with AIDS and knowing there are many more behind me unaware of their own health status, please make the necessary changes to our nations health care system to start saving lives today. To cut the red tape and look beyond the almighty dollar and see the humans that we are, in need of medical care in order to live as a human being, not a human dying.” 

Christine Harris, Texas
 

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*The individuals profiled in this post are sharing their real-life story and image to put the current healthcare-reform debate in context. 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.