alt.social-security-disability

PCGumshoe wrote in news:
@ :

> Relayer, a couple of things:
>
> First, I don't know how much you receive every month from social
> security, but there are programs for low or lower income families
> where your premium, annual deductible and part D are paid for. Also,
> there is a program that pays for the 20% copayments.
>
> You might want to check your eligibility for QMB, SLMB, Q1. These
> programs are administered by the state, but are under federal medicaid
> guidelines.

Just for informational purposes:

Dealing with my state... I make less than 1000 a month on SSDI. If I
made that much, I wouldn't qualify for QMB or Foodstamps.

I did let a friend stay at the house, but ended up being glad when they
left because I almost lost those two benefits. Household income is what
is calculated, and the state office wants me to report everyone's income
in the household even if they don't contribute to my upkeep. My son is
unemployed and lives in his bedroom. If he got a job, I would lose
assistance, but if I say I support him, I lose assistance (if you can
afford to help him...)

My "wife" and I aren't married in the eyes of the government. If we
were, I would lose all assistance because she gets about $300 a month in
child support from her ex. But since we aren't married, and we are
claiming that she pays her percentage of the bills and I pay my
percentage, it is being handled as roommates.

The system discourages looking for work, discourages family, discourages
doing "what's right".

> As far as Medicaid vs Medicare, I've seen both systems and I'll take
> Medicare ANY day. 1st, you can actually find a doctor that takes the
> insurance. 2nd, you don't need a referral to go see a specialist
> (Unless you are in a managed care). Last, if you have a mental health
> issue, you can AT LEAST see a therapist.

My experience is the opposite. Medicaid meant I could see a doctor
whenever I wanted to. With Medicare, I can't. Not so much because of
the system, but because I can't afford to see the doctor. Medicaid pays
in full, Medicare pays part... and the office wants payment in full at
time of visit and will credit me back after Medicare pays.

And no, I can't change doctors. There are none in my area taking new
patients. If they have a contract for Medicaid, then they have to take
a new patient if the patient is sent there by the Medicaid office, but
under Medicare they don't.

> Honestly, all the Drs. I saw under Medicaid seem overly booked, or
> poorly educated... I wouldn't want to put my life in many of their
> hands.

Again, not an issue here. The same doctors, whether Medicare or
Medicaid.

The difference is Medicaid is 100% paid. Medicare means I still have to
pay, PLUS no dental or eye coverage. Which means teeth are pulled
instead of filled or root canal, no dentures or false teeth, haven't
gotten glasses in awhile (a friend got a 2 for 1 deal at the eye doctor
at the mall so they made arrangements for me to get the "free" pair as
reading glasses for me.)