Originally Posted by chosenbyone
I knew I could count on you.
I have to give you a PRAISE REPORT! As you may remember, I don't have insurance anymore and I was really starting to feel the pinch in my bank account.
Anyway, one night I was web surfing and I came across a website to a facility here in Houston that specializes in HIV Primary Care. I had heard of them before, but it was something I had never considered as a place that could help me.
Well, I noticed that they had a Social Services tab where it stated that if a person couldn't afford treatment that they could offer a solution. They have many, many underwriters and grants that are given to them each year. However, a person still had to meet the eligibility requirements which were similar to the eligibility requirements for social services offered by the government.
I called and made an appointment with their eligibility department. I met with my Eligibility Specialist, Dora Morones, last Thursday morning at the facility and I brought along the proof of residency, proof of income (or lack thereof) and my medical records.
After filling out the massive amount of paperwork, I was escorted to Dora's office where she asked me several questions and she reviewed my medical records. NOW GET THIS...she said, "Oh, I see that Dr. Schrader was your doctor?" I said, "Yes, he was for over ten years and I really hated that his practice was bought out by St. Lukes. 'As I understand, he was now working more on the research side in order to develop better treatment programs for people with HIV/AIDS". She said, "Well, I believe he is doing just that, but he sees patients here every Wednesday for free". She continued, "If you want, I can get you in to see him if you want him to be your treating physician again". I didn't even register at that point about Dr. Schrader when I blurted out, "So, did I qualifty of assistance". She told me that I did qualify for assistance which was good for one year.
After a year, I would have to go through the eligibility process again which was no big deal, BECAUSE, I WAS GETTING HELP!!! By qualying, that means that all my doctor visits, all of my labs and other tests and all of my medication is covered! Even when I had insurance and a drug prescribtion plan, there were months that my medicine cost me several hundred dollars in co-pay and co-insurance amounts. The labs the do every three months without insurance was $712.00. I almost shouted....of course, I never shout, but I am so happy!
Being the great Eligibility Specialist that she is, Dora did make me fill out the darn application for Medicaid (she had some in her filing cabinet). She told me that even though all of my HIV treatment was covered, I still would be responsiblie for any hospital expenses which they didn't cover. Being that she had brighen up my day, I complied with her wishes; however, I just know that I won't need Medicaid, because God is going to give me the right job this month!
SORRY, THIS POST TURNED OUT MUCH LONGER THAN I ANTICIPATED! THERE WAS JUST SO MUCH TO TELL!
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