Posted by Racer on May 18, 2005, at 18:33:47
In reply to Re: Medicaid, posted by D minor on May 17, 2005, at 16:25:09
> Cool!
>
> I also wanted to let you know that there is something called medicaid with share of cost for those who don't qualify for straight medicaid. Check it out to make sure you might not fall in that catagory.
>
> http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/
>
> Goodluck,
> dm
The big problem with federal "share of cost" programs is that they calculate the cost of living as an average for the country -- meaning that, if you live in an average urban area, you can't live on what you're allowed to keep. The Share of Cost is *everything* you bring in from any source over what they consider the cost of living. I was on that sort of program, and the amount they calculated as my SOC was about half of my rent! There's no way to survive on a lot of those programs.But there are Compassionate Care programs around -- most drug companies have them, but they are hard to navigate and they certainly aren't advertised! The latest is that a group of Big Pharma are getting together to create a centralized, streamlined system to administer the compassionate care programs. Until it's completely finished, the best bet is checking out http://www.needymeds.com
As for MedicAid, the restrictions on that are pretty strict. Unless you are on SSI or have a child, you probably do not qualify. It's a nice idea, but...
On the other hand, a lot of counties have programs to help the low income residents of their county, through their public health system. Planned Parenthood also treats people for such a nominal fee that it may as well be free. Sometimes, it is free.
Hope that helps.
poster:Racer
thread:498938
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050516/msgs/499553.html