[lenjan]

I've been screwing around with the MN social service system for several days now. I must compliment them, however -- the workers are neither stupid or rude, as in Wisconsin, where I came from. They actually do stuff like return phone calls and know what they're talking about. Customer service -- imagine that!

I was on "medically needy Medicaid" in WI -- the version that is for people not certified disabled. My disability app is pending, but not yet complete, and the chances of my getting it are slim anyway. I got on MN's version of "medically needy Medicaid" right away, but I have to live here for a month before it kicks in, and it's not retroactive.

It is appearing more and more likely that I will have to postpone my dr.'s appt. at Mayo on the 11th. It turns out that it is actually 3-4 days' worth of tests, not just a 20-minute appointment with the hematologist. It's between $350-$550 for an initial appointment in the hematology clinic, and then goes from there depending upon what tests the dr. orders.

I have a call in to my old doc in Milwaukee to see if he thinks it will be OK for me to wait a couple more weeks to see someone.

I'm running out of meds, and because I can't see a dr. -- and because the dr. won't prescribe anything till he does his 4 days worth of tests -- I'm stuck seeing if my old guy will send me prescriptions to be filled here. The injectable blood thinner is $1500 for a 2 week supply, so no telling how I'm going to pull that one off.

May I just say ---- ARGH. I'm so frustrated by all this crap, most of all by being sick and nobody believing I'm still sick. 5 weeks in the hospital, almost died twice, but all I hear is "you look great!" and they think because I don't look like I'm on the brink of death anymore, that means I must feel fine, too. Which would be incorrect.

I know there's nothing anybody can do about any of this, just needed a place to vent. Thanks for reading/listening/etc.

Candy

[SeptemberMorn]

Dang, Candy! I wish there was something I could do! I've had to go on that medical program, too. It's called MIA out here; Medically Indigent something or other. It's no fun.

Good luck with your old doc. In my experience, they hold your med refills as power trips over you. Don't think that could happen in your case, though. Remind him of his oath "First, do no harm!"

You're in my prayers, Kiddo!

[Sabrina]

I am sorry for all your justified frustration.

Thoughts with you.

[Fuzzybear]

(((((((((((((( Candy ))))))))))))))

(grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!)

[wisewoman]

Candy, I would almost bet your talking lovanox. I went through this with spouse, get the manufacturer yourself so you can get the meds. You qualify for the needy med program. I had a link, I will see if I can find it but try a search. You should be able to get all of your meds this way till insurance kicks in. Please p.m. me if I can help. I am still good at somethings. Take care and eat a brownie for me when you can sneak it okay?

[lenjan]

Yup, I'm talking Lovenox. But in order to get on the needy med program, you need a doctor's signature. Because my state ins. doesn't start till May 28, I can't see a doctor till at least then. I have 8 days worth of Lovenox left. I have 2 refills left on a prescription I got in WI, and it's transferable, but I have no way to pay for it.

If you have a way to fix this, as Frasier says, "I'm listening."

Candy

[wisewoman]

Hey sweetie, let me do some reasearch and I will get back to you tonight. That med is such a bear to pay for!

[wisewoman]

Candy I emailed you, let me know if you didn't get it. Good luck.

[January]

(((((((((((((( Candy ))))))))))))))

Every good thought and prayer are winging their way to you.

Many hugs,

Jan

[SS8282]

((((((((((candy))))))))))

[Maven]

Geez! Sometimes the system makes no sense. I would call a pharmacist, your doctor or more than one, and as ww said, the drug company. Someone must be able to help.

[(JD)]

http://psychcentral.com/resources/Me...cine_Programs/

Sure sounds like your sister moved you rather impulsively, imo. But that is water under the bridge. Since you're living under your sister's roof, can she add you to their insurance, or would that take a waiting period also I guess? Might be cheaper to temporarily move back to WI (even a motel) so you can get those meds! IDK (((candy))))

[praxis]

I'm sorry you're in such a tough situation. Sky's idea of a temporary address in WI might be your best bet. Alternately you might ask if MN has an emergency program for situations like yours. I'll ask my coworkers if they have any ideas.In the meantime- hang in there. You'll get through this one way or anoyher.

[lenjan]

I'll keep checking on the free meds programs, but so far all of them require a dr.'s signature on the form, and I can't see a dr. till May 28 or later. I will be long out of the Lovenox before then. WW gave me some ideas for skirting that, which I will try out today.

I also called my old doc/nurses/case manager to see if THEY can get me on the needy meds program. Typically it takes them 24 hrs to call back, so I should hear from them sometime today.

As far as getting a WI address -- my WI Medicaid ended April 30, since I no longer resided in the state as of then. So that won't help.



I appreciate everyone's ideas and will try them out!

Candy

PS: I don't think it's possible to get anyone but a spouse or children on your insurance, and I don't want her income to factor into my eligibility for assistance, anyway.

This is all way too d*mn hard!

[wisewoman]

Candy, your old doc should be able to help you just fine. Speak with the nurse and tell her the story, she or he will help I quarantee. Walk them through what needs to be done though. Have the drug company fax forms direct to them if possible. Your old doc could mail the drugs until the new medicaid started if the drugs have to go through the doctor. Usually only narcotics have to do that but... Call on me to help, besides playing mom and carpenter I am here. Resting my back as we speak. Be well.

[Azalysa]

Gah!!! I so wish I could do something...

...I can pray.

Hang in there, gf. (I know, trite...but something just HAS to work out!)

[lenjan]

WW, from her vast store of social worker knowledge, has given me some extra things to try ... it'll work out somehow. Keep the prayers coming though, I sure need 'em!



Candy

[lenjan]

And so, the saga continues.

My old doc will NOT sign a patient assistance form for the Lovenox, because my care has been transferred and he can't monitor me now.

I can't see a dr. here till the 31st.

Anybody know what happens if you quit a blood thinner cold turkey?? I barely had the $20 to put in my gas tank yesterday -- I sure's heck don't have $1500 for 2 weeks of this med.



Candy

[ErinBear]

Hi Candybear,

Is there a low-cost or free clinic in your area? If so, might there be a doctor there who would fill out the forms for you? We have such clinics in my area, and maybe if there is a doctor there who will see you, your old doctor can fax over your records, and they could do the paperwork for the patient assistance program until you can get in to see the new doctors....

If you can somehow get on the patient assistance program for the meds, it can be a great help. I get one of my medications that way, and it works out fine. The most complicated part is doing the initial paperwork, but after that, it generally gets simpler. It's a big help - I hope it can work out for you.

You're sure in my thoughts and prayers, and I'm so sorry this isn't working out right for you. How upsetting. ((((Candybear)))))

Hugs,
ErinBear