<< I think, though, there is a rule that with his income being something
around 1,000 plus a little - that he has to have $2,000 in bills before he
can get a medical card and if he can go to the VA there will never be that
much in bills. >>
Hi Barbara...
Ya know... I was just checking my e-mail.. and realized the laws are probably
different in each state, yet kinda similar in stature... The way it works
here in California... Is that if you have an income of $800 or more... and
NEED medical... because you make MORE than the minimum required it excludes
you from "free" care... Nevertheless, my girlfriend who has been disabled for
quite some time, had no insurance after retiring....frightened with
unexpected bills she went to the Medi-cal office... She talked to case
workers....They said "NO...You don't qualify...you make too much money.."
She felt quite dejected... But then, she called Social Secuity....and
confronted them.... "What should I do? I am on all these medications.. and
nothing I need is covered under Medicare..." Did you know the two work
closely together? I did not know this..until she told me... Anyhow... when
she talked to SS they said.. "Heck no.. you can still receive Medi-cal..
However, because you make more than what the cut off was.. You would have to
pay a premium..." Hmmmm... Guess whomever she talked to at the medi-cal
office didn't want to bother with the extra work.... and I guess this process
requires quite a substantial bit of work---because of the money collected
from program participant....
Since then, I have checked this out myself.. it works for anyone without
medical coverage... However, as your income rises.. so does the premium.. but
from what I understand.. the coverage is marvelous....Eyes, teeth, Rx,
etc....I think Pat pays something like $22 a month...
For your own piece of mind.. check out that $2000 figure.. Might be that that
is the cut off for eligibility...of the purchasing program through the
state.. Ya know what I mean?
Anyway... it is just a thought... Ya'd think that some of those things that
bear heavily on the wellness of SS receipiants would remain the same... as I
believe federal law would have some type of provision written into its regs
regarding State medical programs to take over where they cannot.. meaning..
Rx, teeth, eyes, etc...
GOOD LUCK!!!! And hang in there... I know this must be tough on you too!!!
BIG HUGS!!!
Janie