Comments on: Needed: Financial Medicine

By: Kim

Kim — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 04:57:52 +0000

Thank you, Christina. If only people understood. And if only the system were different.
This is so important what you wrote.
Warrior

By: Christina

Christina — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:55:27 +0000

Val — thanks so much for your very specific explanation of how easily this much P.R.’d “Ticket to Work” program can run off the rails.

I know you, like me, are a former financial professional, and are smart about educating yourself, turning over every stone and trying every option. These are the real stories we need to get out there. Information is power.

By: Val Morgan

Val Morgan — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:47:37 +0000

Christina,
Kudos for such well espressed issues that we face with our illness. I not only lost a corprotae well,paying job, basically , for illness( there were some corproate politics involved), but in trying to roll with the punches, found myself let go from a bartending job for “lack of committment”,,,aka the cyclical nature of the illness wasn’t tolerable to those that managed scheduling around it.
In ny quest to meet ends I have tried many small jobs and faced inquisitions from Social Security.
One irony is that IRS tolerates a specific Adjusted gross income ANNUALLY. And should things go well, the amount over that is taxable, and /or SS benefits might be repaid.(Would love to be in that position). BUT…SS goes by the MONTHLY earnings ($800,as you said). With a cyclical illness, any of us could make $1200 one month and almost nothing the next. SS, would be in a big hurry to cut off benefits in such cases but the reality is that on average , we are no better off in the long run. Actually , worse, if you consider the loomong relapse that would accompany the activity level of the “good” month.
If the SSA would broaden their outlook to a yearly income level…the crux of their inquisitions would be more realistic….actually based on a long term view of the increasd earnings that allegedly portray us as having improved health.
I know that we are still talking peanuts here, especially considering the thousands we have to come up with for medical treatment…to be able to work.\
Also…the actual Medicare prescription program brings yet, another variation to the cycle. Earning the limit ($800) during deductible,co-pay periods of the Rx program is more than offset by earning the same during the famous “doughnut hole” period. As far as I now ,,,The SS parameters don’t account for the cyclical variations in meds NOR the cyclical variations in our health. Again ,looking at it in annual terms…or maybe longer…would be more accurate. The IRS and SSA are both the government…if they can’t be on the same page….how about in the same book. Helping us stay off welfare …not pushing us toward it.

By: Lisa Emrich

Lisa Emrich — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:09:58 +0000

Hi Christina,

I’m new to your blog but this post certainly rang a few bells with me. I have multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, am a self-employed musician, and have an individual insurance policy which is lacking in prescription coverage.

Just yesterday I uploaded a post which outlines the costs of routine medical care to keep on top of chronic illness. It can be found here: The Annual Cost of My Chronic Illnesses.

In order to qualify for assistance in obtaining one $27,600 medication, I must limit my income to 200% federal poverty level. This certainly doesn’t allow me to maximize savings or even social security credits for future disability checks. It’s a catch-22 indeed.

Anyway, I enjoyed reading this post and will return to read more. Thank you.

By: Christina

Christina — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:30:10 +0000

Thanks so much for your input and support Marly! I guess the buck starts here — we can start sharing information and financial
tools and putting them to work.

It is sad about the young woman reduced to turning tricks — the girl has disappeared form my Doctor’s waiting room — perhaps returned to Seattle, and I didn’t have her contact information but believe me — I will be sure to capture such names in the future.

Thanks for all your good work with P.A.N.D.O.R.A. and I’m glad to see you’re opening a branch up north.

By: Marly Silverman

Marly Silverman — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:58:03 +0000

Christina,
I applaud you for writing about financial crisis and chronic illness, specially to how they related to the invisible chronic illness patients. It is such a crucial issue. I was particular sad to read about the young woman who is now homeless and “turning tricks”. I understand that this is the worse scenario I could have ever imagined, but had not heard it before till now. It is a story that needs to be told. Are you able to connect with her? I would like to help her.

I know that you and I have spoken about these issues before. And because of everything that I do I haven’t been able to get together with you in the format I would like. As you know I am now working with a great team in the establishment of the Neuroendocrineimmune Center(tm) in the state of New Jersey and for the next 12 months, every second of my good health time and my stamina will be dedicated to get this in place. But I guess by writing here I am taking the second step to spread the word about what you are going to accomplish.

Back when I was diagnosed with CFS/FM, I created the concept – The Business of Getting Better ™. It helped me to remain focus on what I needed to do. But not everyone has the financial cushioning I had, the business background I had and the accessibility to good caring physicians. Being financially smart did not prevent me from having cognitive difficulties in handling or making personal & financial decisions that were painful and costly in the short and long term.

We need to bring these issues to light in a very effective way. Here is another great step! Kudos for pushing this on!

Marly Silverman
Founder
P.A.N.D.O.R.A, Inc.
http://www.pandoranet.info