Desperate

[lynnkay]

Doctor I am turning to you. Because you are a doctor and hopefully have an answer for me. My husband lost his long time job in March, due to the economy. We had great insurance. But, when my husband lost his job, we lost our health insurance. I have COPD and in desperate need of medical care. I just knew as soon as we lost our insurance, that my health would take a turn on me. Over the past few months, nails are turning blue, left ankle is swelling up 3 times it size and I know I need to have my oxygen level checked. I know that oxygen level is not where it should be. The problem is Doctor, I have probably made 2 dozen phone calls to various health depts., low income clinics and I even have called organizations to assist me in medical care. All I get is NO NO NO and most time a lot of rudeness. I dont want to ask for assistance, but sometimes you have to swallow your pride. My husband and me both worked all our lives. My husband found another job thank God, but it offers no benefits. I even went as far as getting quotes on health insurance for me. They are so high, that we cannot afford them. But, with COPD many of these insurance companies wont cover me. Because I have a pre-existing condition. I even called the University of Louisville today. They have clinics for people like me. Even U of L turned me down. So, my question is this. Attorneys at times do pro bono work. Do doctors ever do pro bono? I have looked on the net concerning this and really can find nothing on it. I would even be willling to pay what we can. But cannot pay the full price, as pulmonary care can be expensive. Any suggestions Doctor would be so so appreciated. I am a sick woman. Plus, I am very upset that the system is putting my life in danger. No one should have to beg for medical attention. Thank you so kindly.

[maggiemag]

If you live near a big city, many of them have free clinics where you only pay what you can afford.  You might not get the super specialist taking care of, as the physicians are usually volunteering on their days off, but you will receive some care which is better than nothing.  Many times they also have a lot of sample meds so they would be free too.

[Sunny602]

This is awful....I am not a doctor, just someone who is outraged that in this country, people can't get the care that they need. Where do you live? Maybe I could help you find you find some programs that would help you, I live to research. I take it you make too much to qualify for Medicaid? Even so, I do know that if you have many expenses or a serious health condition, they have what is called spend down Medicaid, which is what I had for awhile to help with some of my expenses. I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now...you know you need help but no one will! , Keeping you in my thoughts..Sunny