alt.social-security-disability

On Aug 24, 1:04?pm, Doc wrote:
> 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.)

My point exactly Doc. Well, most of it