Cannot afford most health care, therapy

My income is about 20K a year, for 3 years now. I am getting very distressed over not being able to afford much health care. Especially therapy. The copay for my insurance is $40 per visit. Basically that means if I really stretch things out, I might can go once a month at most. In the past I saw a therapist at least every other month. Not since starting this income and living on my own. So no therapy for me!

I see an internist for basic medical needs, which is a $15 copay. Discovered that she is definitely not a good doctor, she refers me to about 4 specialists every time I see her that I cannot afford. She does nothing! I did go to a cardiologist once recently and had to pay $45. That is taking away money for food, clothes and other necessities. It was an unnecessary visit, turned out. She referred me to a dermatologist, a podiatrist, a gastroenterologist and an eye doctor. Each would be a $45 copay. I agree that I need to go to most of those, but what am I supposed to do, go without food? I already do go without the clothes and haircuts. This YEAR I have bought 3 pairs of pants and 2 shirts. That's it.

So basically I cannot afford to be healthy and surely not mentally healthy. I have been trying to figure out how to do better, but when my expenses are right at $1000 a month before groceries, doctors or anything else "frivolous", there is not any wiggle room. I have 4 grandchildren that will be expecting Christmas presents. I would (and have) given up food to buy them gifts.

I think what a lot of us on limited incomes and getting older, I am only 59 by the way, just decide that we would just be better off dead. Horrible truth about the cost of living and health care. The only way I can lower my basic costs would be to move into a low rent neighborhood which is what I am going to have to do at the end of my lease in May, which means in my area, a bad neighborhood. That means high crime and not a pleasant place to live at all. Not much to look forward to eh? Certainly never have a vacation! What a joke that is!

I would like to know the statistics for people in my predicament and the elderly with low incomes for suicide. I bet it is high. So sad.

Hello ForeverLonelyGirl: Thank you for posting with regard to this important concern. Yes, it certainly is tragic when anyone has to choose between health care & food & safe housing... But it seems like this is the way it is nowadays in the U.S. & I suspect in many other countries where one would not expect it.

You pose an interesting question regarding the suicide rate among older adults as it relates to poverty. I don't recall seeing any statistics of this sort. However, they may be out there. I spend a certain amount of time on the topic of suicide prevention. So, if I come across any statistics on this relationship, I'll try to remember to post them here on PC.

Best wishes...

Well I know that I am not alone in this, but it sure feels like it.

That's a shame that health care is draining that much out of your budget. You probably know what is available in your area, but maybe you can find a better deal. First, apply for Medicaid. In the past year lots of people have become eligible for Medicaid who didn't used to be. (I just looked up your state and see that it's not participating in "Expanded" Medicaid. That's a big part of your problem right there.) Second, if you are currently in the Medicare program, look into "Medicare Advantage Plans." It's a shame that you are having to shell out so much in co-pays.

Low rent neighborhoods often have some decent properties, if you really look around. I would recommend renting directly from an owner who manages his or her own property. Dealing with a middle man adds to expense and they don't treat you as good. One block can be vastly different from another block in the same neighborhood. Also, go to the housing authority in your community and apply for a section 8 voucher. They put you on a waiting list for a few years, but it's worth getting. Alternatively, look specifically for low income housing that is HUD subsidized. You can apply to both programs. Low income projects for people over 55 tend to have less crime than places that take all ages.

Thank you Rose. Why am I not surprised that my state is not participating? It is pretty near last on the list for mental health care, education and whatever is important. Of course we have one of the most famous college football teams in the nation. Sports...lots of money goes into that. Seems that whatever the good ol boys want to put money into is what gets funding.

I was told I do not qualify for medicaid or any other assistance because I make too much money! Ha ha. But I am living at poverty level. Was also told that NO applications are even being taken for section 8 housing anymore. It is on hold or some bs. The apartments that I could get with the housing authority are totally ghetto. I pay about 340 a month more than what I should be paying a month for rent. I do rent from an individual, I have done that a lot. It is a townhouse, however he told me that he has to sell it when my lease is up or raise my rent by about 250 dollars a month. It could be a situation where after my lease is up that I could stay longer until something better comes along for me. I think legally he cannot just put me out because he has money issues. That could get ugly however. Don't think I could go through that drama!

I worked my butt off to become a RN. Klonopin took it away. Now I am poor and miserable. Have nothing absolutely to look forward to and I think my will to keep plugging in is fading fast. I am sad and broken hearted every day. No one can or would help me. I don't even know why I bother to get out bed anymore. I feel let down and abandoned by everyone. This is too much now.

LonelyGirl, I am really sorry to hear you this beaten down. Those of us in states with more humane programs for the poor have a lot to be grateful for. I do believe these disparities in income support among the states will trend in the direction of leveling off, over the long haul, but that does you little good at the moment. So much of what is making my life a little easier than yours at the moment is just that I live in a different state. The reality is that, though we are all Americans, we sure don't all have access to the same safety net. Moving isn't a great option when your have family ties where you are at. I am lucky that many years ago I made a conscious decision to move to a part of the country where it would be less difficult to be poor. I do miss my family though.

Do the best you can. If you can't afford medical care, then go where the taxpayer pays for it for you... don't go without medical care. As for mental health care, IDK if there are still clinics that do pro bono... and you'll go into a sliding scale and pay as you can and go.

I've been poor and I understand. The person I was connected to had no conscience (still doesn't but I'm not with him any more ) but I HATE debt! However, I persevered and over time it all took care of itself. I remember being so poor that I could not afford the minimum to get the food stamps!

But the thing is now, everyone is in nearly the same boat---due to the horrendous "improvements" of the current system...which will become worse once it fully kicks in (IF it's allowed to)---and with EVERYONE being unable to afford health insurance and co-pays those who run our country will HAVE to change it for better. Or, they might not and just let us all get sick and die--but who would pay their salaries then???

Things won't always be this bleak. Do your best and move on to things you can change.

I could advise you to come on chat here it will be helpful it's the best therapy I've got

Your state should have a Department of Mental Health or similar. (Sometimes it's part of the Department of Human Services; it varies state by state.) They generally offer some kind of outpatient care to people who can't otherwise afford it. It may not be top-tier care, but in some cases it's better than nothing.

I went to the dept of mental health center here for a few months. Changed therapists to see if there was better, there was not. Plus they charged the same copay as any therapist would. So am I going there, H*ll no. I could not believe how poor they were, since I had come from having someone really good. Cannot afford her anymore!

Plus I would definitely say that they were not better than nothing in my opinion. I went there in the beginning because of being mandated from one of my visits to a hospital.

I hear you--they're not always great. Mine has refused me therapy, basically because I'm too crazy for them. I get a case manager who comes once a week, never asks how I'm doing, and does nothing to help me. It's really, really frustrating when help is inaccessible or insufficient. Just remember it doesn't mean you don't deserve that help and support.

Housing
I've also heard that elderly disabled housing is alright, and not at all as bad as the non-elderly non-disabled housing projects. You can apply for section 8's in any town, not just your own in case you didn't already know that. If you dial 211, they may have additional suggestions.

Gifts
If I were in your position, I would not buy any gifts. I would only send out cards with heartfelt letters telling everyone a little about my year, that I'm having a substantial financial hardship so I'm sorry I'm not sending a gift, and that I wish them a wonderful Christmas and wish them well in whatever they've been doing lately. If you don't have time to write everyone a letter, perhaps you could make one nice card with pictures and a one quality letter that can be sent to everyone. (I've been watching the Suze Orman Show and it seems that buying gifts is a huge extremely common pitfall for people, and especially for women, trying to get out of debt.)

Therapy
Some people head to free 12 step groups when they can't afford therapy. It's not the same as therapy, but sometimes better than nothing at all. You will be able to share your problems, listen to others, and possibly find supportive people. There's a 12 step group for just about everything these days from debt to emotions anonymous.

Medical
Don't get me started.... USA really needs a public insurance czar to go out and listen to the problems that elderly and disabled people are facing with insurance. There's no way this system could be so messed up if anyone truly gave a.....

I hope things get better for you.

Housing-Section 8 housing is no good. People are not placed in different homes according to their disability in my town. Last check I was told that applications were no longer being accepted, that the program was on indefinite hold.

Gifts-My income has not changed and how do you explain that you are not giving gifts to children that don't have much going for them, a 13 year old at that vulnerable age, a 9 year old boy and 6 year old twin girls? My dysfunctional family would no doubt talk aloud in front of the kids about "why grandma is selfish now and only cares about her own Christmas" or worse. Yes, it is sad and pathetic. I can eek out 4 gifts, just no more. I formerly bought gifts for everyone so just getting 4 is nothing. I really hate being unable to buy for everyone. Plus the decorations for the home are out of reach almost completely. The whole thing is about money and materialism I realize. It is all rather disgusting and is pretty dysfunctional too. I've been trapped in that pattern too long.

Therapy-I am still looking for therapy options occasionally when I get up the nerve to call and be rejected. I have to be psyched up to do it, not when I am already down.

Medical-You are so right, we do need a medical czar to evaluate and try to cure this very sick system. The powers that be are acutely aware that the elderly often have to choose medicine vs. food. They know that medication costs are outrageous. Some spend most of their income on medicines. So far I have carefully made sure that I am only taking the inexpensive generics that are $4 a month. If I had to get an expensive med I would be sunk. I barely make it through the month, often I have to borrow money the week before payday and then pay it back the first of the month. I did run out of groceries every month. Right now I am living off the groceries I have left for the month. Forget about affording the most healthy, organic fruits and fresh vegetables. Whole food is great but ridiculously expensive. One month I was able to afford fresh salmon there...ONCE. Fresh fish and antibiotic free meats are double and triple the cost.

Climbing down off my soap box...

Does your town have a Program that provides for a week or more of food for very cheap.. In my town they have one called "Angel wings" I can get 2+ weeks of food for my husband and I for 25.00. per month.

It's not always the same stuff , but it always has meat, canned goods, breads, potato, rice etc.. this isnt an income based service anyone can use this.

Or check with your local pantries at churches. It's hard to ask for help when you need it, but you paid taxes all your life for others to be helped, now it is time for you to get a bit of help.

Life should not be this damn hard.

take care

Tell me about it. I'm only 24 years old but I have had severe depression all my life. I have spent so much on medical expenses in my life it isn't funny. I simply cannot afford meds or therapy. I've been working for almost 5 years and every year I have hit my insurance's deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. This year they are increasing both of them and the max being $5,000. So that's an extra $1,000 out of my pocket I have to fork over when I don't make even $30,000. It is extremely difficult to survive in this life. The costs of living and healthcare are increasing way faster than my income. I am currently spending more money than I make, because I have a really expensive rent, and my current rental company is just nickel and dime-ing us to death. There are extra hidden fees for EVERYTHING. It's 100% BS and there is nothing I can do about it. So I sacrifice food and clothes whenever I can. I haven't bought myself any new clothes this year. I'm sure my co-workers are thinking my fashion has grown stale. But that is the last thing I can worry about when I'm trying to survive.

I'm so sorry that you are going through so much to just get help...

I will tell you what a friend of mine had to do this year... She had a 3,000 deductible and no way to pay for it. She went to 2 Er's in Jan 2014 a week apart and to 2 different hospitals.. So on paper she met her deductible because of the outragious costs of an er visit.

She set up payment plans of 15.00 a month to each hospital they wanted more of course, but they accepted her payment with a letter from her saying this is all she can afford. They cashed her checks so they basically agreed. As long as she makes her monthly 15.00 to each hospital they can't do anything about.

Met her deductible this way and was then able to afford her co payments easier.

Just a thought.

Well that is one way to work the system! Good for her. Lots of people would do that and just not bother to pay the hospital at all. I know them.

So they cause us to have to abuse the system to get our needs met! Bravo!