Thursday, February 3, 2011

Discount Drug Assistance Nightmare

So, after a nightmare trying to get my meds refilled by a new doctor a new nightmare arises.  Being on Social Security Disability I get Medicare.  I can't afford Medicare parts B and D which is for doctor visits and meds.  I only have Part A which covers me if I go into the hospital.  When I lived in NJ, the state paid for the parts of Medicare I could not afford to pay myself.  This gave me assistances paying for my meds.  I now live in NC and the state doesn't help with my  Medicare payments so I don't have Parts B and D which means I must pay for meds all on my own. 

I go to pick up my 7 pills which I had to fight to get the prescription for just that many pills, the cost of those 7 pills...over $40!!!!  A months supply of this med will cost me over $300.  Of course there are other programs that different stores/pharmacies offer discount meds for people who can't afford their drugs.  HOWEVER, I can't have ANY form of health insurance...yup that includes my Medicare Part A which is for hospitalization only in order to be eligible for these programs.  I checked with the drug maker and got the same info there as well.  So what does that mean for me?  It means that I must drop the only insurance I have...Medicare in order to be eligible for one of these drug discount programs. 

Think that's all?  Nope!!  The meds I take are not on the list of eligible drugs for these discount drug programs.  When it rains it pours huh?!!?  Well, back to the drug maker...I must drop the only insurance I have to be eligible for their program so I can get assistance with my meds.  BUT, with this Obama health care nightmare where everyone must have health insurance or be fined hundreds of dollars which leaves me in a bit of...well what can I call it...HELL!!!!!  Someone explain what I should do...please!!!!!  Keep Medicare, but not be eligible for any discount drug program, which means no meds for me.  Or drop my Medicare and face hundreds of dollars in fines for no health insurance but I'll be able to afford my meds.  Of course I'll probably lose my home because of no health insurance fines. 

Now me always trying to look at the bright side of things, I found that because I get prescription assistance, I am eligible for a program here in NC which gives me a free cell phone with 300 free minutes a month.  Being 80% housebound, I don't have a cell phone because I have no use for one when I have a flat fee landline.  I guess once I lose my home it will be nice to have a free cell phone once I'm living on the streets.  But at least I'll have my meds to keep me sane and a cell phone to keep me company.

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