Problems with getting financial support for young people

dmarie1010

Just so you know, this is the same thing I posted in Young Cancer Survivors. I would really appreciate any help!

Hey guys and gals! My name is Dana and I'm 25 years old. I was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer last July/August 2004. I've been receiving very, very expensive treatments and am currently getting Social Security disability income (which is not a whole lot to begin with) but am having to pay for expensive COBRA health insurance through my previous employer. I've been amazed at how little help I can get, such as receiving a medical card, to help with my life-saving treatments, just because of my age and that I don't have any kids or am not pregnant. I just wanted to know, I guess, that I'm not alone, and if anyone else has been able to find a program to help with bills and the cost of treatments (that I could be receiving for the rest of my life). Thanks, and sorry to vent, I'm just a frustrated gal..... Take care everyone!

gerddy

HI!

I know how frustrating this can be. When I was diagnosed my husband was in treatment for tongue cancer. Both of us were out of work because of treatment and we have three kids living with us and a large house payment.

I don't know what state you live in but if you call your local township or city office and tell them your situation they will start to give you phone numbers that you can try to get help with. Usually for utilities you need three shut off notices. Call everyone, utilies, mortgage co., and get on food stamps. The only thing I was able to get was food from the food bank. This at least cut grocery expenses.

Have you looked into going on Medicare instead of Cobra? Also check with a social worker through your doctors office, they might offer assistace.

Another sugestion, I asked my friends and family for help. They knew we were in trouble. Family members sent money as did co-workers. My last career was as a stylist, with girls I worked with for 15 years, they held a cut-a-thon to earn money for me. I know it's hard to ask for help but most people that care about you want to do something, let them.

If any questions please ask.
Good luck,
Gerddy

epgnyc

Hi, Dana. You seem to be doing amazingly well coping with metastatic bc at such a young age and certainly don't need the additional stress of trying to figure out how to afford your medical care. I have a friend who's an architect and who got bc at the age of 32. Her company fired her (unbelievable) and she finally obtained Social Security Disability (after having been on Welfare and Food stamps at first). Living on just her Social Security Disability payments, she was also eligible to apply for Medicaid, which she did and had for a number of years. Medicaid covered all her medical treatments and costs, despite the fact that she was young, not a mother and not pregnant. I believe Medicaid is based only upon income. You should look into this immediately. It's possible that the rules have changed on this, but I don't think so. Good luck to you.

lori12946

Hi Dana Fortunately for me I was not off work long enough to draw social security disability although I was eventually terminated from my job and was drawing NY State long term disability. This was not much more than social security. I am a single parent so surviving financially was difficult. You should be eligible for medicaid , If not alot of hospitals have charity funding for people who have no medical coverage at all. You need to ask because they don't always inform you of this. Also utility and phone companies also offer discounts for disabled or income eligible people.My phone company had a program called lifeline that charged a flat fee and is exempt from fedreral fees. Utility companies cannot disconnect you if you can prove disability or financial hardship. If your state offers a legal aid agency you should talk to a lawyer to find out what your rights are. Unfortunatly a lot of these places do not offer this info so you need to ask. My medicaid paid my cobra payment so that I could continue to have my insurance until I returned to work. Again I had to ask , they did not offer. As for the bills you have to pay out of pocket , in most states they have to accept what you can afford to pay . A lot of it is knowing what your rights are.

Maeve0102

That's terrible. As if you didn't have enough to worry about, you shouldn't have to worry about putting a roof over your head or food on the table. Did you contact the American Cancer Society to see if they have any suggestions? I would also go to your local politicians and find out what they would do if this was their situation. If you get nowhere with them, start writing letters, (daily, if needed) to the Mayor of your town or the Governor of your state. There has to be some sort of money available for someone in your situation. Also, try contacting someone involved with the Ronald McDonald house (you're a little old for that, but they probably have a connection for somebody your age), try Gilda's Club, or contact as many large Cancer Treatments Centers in the U.S. as you can. There is one in New Hampshire that financially helped my niece (and her siblings and parents) when she developed a brain tumor at age three. Good Luck! Don't give up until you get what you need!

dmarie1010

Maeve0102 said:

That's terrible. As if you didn't have enough to worry about, you shouldn't have to worry about putting a roof over your head or food on the table. Did you contact the American Cancer Society to see if they have any suggestions? I would also go to your local politicians and find out what they would do if this was their situation. If you get nowhere with them, start writing letters, (daily, if needed) to the Mayor of your town or the Governor of your state. There has to be some sort of money available for someone in your situation. Also, try contacting someone involved with the Ronald McDonald house (you're a little old for that, but they probably have a connection for somebody your age), try Gilda's Club, or contact as many large Cancer Treatments Centers in the U.S. as you can. There is one in New Hampshire that financially helped my niece (and her siblings and parents) when she developed a brain tumor at age three. Good Luck! Don't give up until you get what you need!

Thank you so much for the responses here and through emails. I can't tell you how much you have helped me... I have been able to contact a few resources in my town, and hopefully I will be receiving a discount on my rent and utilities. My landlord has been very helpful. I also hope to be compiling a list of grants and other resources that others in KY who are in my position can use. I have been under the weather lately, but as soon as I feel better and up to the challenge, I have to help others.

I had been making a little extra money through skirts I hand make and shirts that I paint various things on and sell through Ebay. But when you are sick from treatment, this is difficult...so I am looking into other options through Ebay as well. I've never been one who can just sit by and not do something to help myself or others.

It has been hard to reach out and ask for help, but I honestly can't tell you how much I appreciate all the advise and support I have gotten through ACSCSN.org...Thank you all so very much. God bless everyone of you... This place has been a life saver.

Dana