medicare hold

[manjohn1]

I have MS/transverse myelitis and on disability and my medicare is on hold  I've been dealing with bladder retention since 2008 now serious bladder infections Oct.5 must use catherters on bactrin DS for 3rd time very costly.Now I'm running fevers my Dr. says no more Go see Urologist,may need emergency room,and my medicare is on hold What do I do?

[manjohn1]

Thanks all,,Yes I did call SSDI and was told exactly what [twopack] Mary said.The date the waiting period is from is the date the SS said your disabled my case March 2010.I did find a hospital that will put me one a indengent care plan clinic free ,LSU just need proof of lay off and disability.but it's a 1hr drive that's ok.My bladder is coming back feeling well ,and only need too cath 1-2 times in 24 hrs,hopefully soon not at all.Been monituring it.and cranberry at least once a day.So far so good,still feel light pain right side back..any problems I'm going to the hospital ......Thanks agian John

[twopack]

John, there is an automatic waiting period of two years between when you are approved for SSDI (it may go from the filing date, I'm not sure) and when you can receive Medicare benefits.

It's been this way since the '70's I believe.  There are exceptions for people with ALS and end-stage renal disease but otherwise people are supposed to have 'other resources".  Oh yeah, right!  I guess they forgot they just agreed you can't work and most health benefits are through employers.

You can apply for Medicaid health benefits and see if you qualify.  The problem is that the SSDI benefits might be high enough to make you ineligible.  I don't know the requirements though so it is definitely worth a try.  

Otherwise you are left to find a resource that offers free or low cost health care.  There are some places that prorate charges based on income.  The hospitals offer that type of thing too if you end up going to the ER.

Glad you are doing better for the moment.  More about that in a bit.
Mary

[SarahL2491]

its not only the MS, anytime you have a UTI, its important.  Once you damage your kidneys, you have a problem.  ''

Maybe new doc?  They do make cath's that have anitibiotic built in.........

[manjohn1]

Thanks,for concern Didn't really have to go to the emergency room ,but should of.I called my Dr before.and got a refill one more time on bactrin DS I was in my 3rd infection and 2nd day on bactrin and my temp.did hit 102.4 not sure what emergency DRs could do while on meds.I used aspirin and alot of sweat.Feeling good but still have to catherize 8hrs,, bladder is now oversized thanks to about 20hrs of sever UTI Oct.5 & no caths.1st infection ever, but bladder has never really empty for 4+ years.Now I'm calling SSDI medicare and see if I can get off hold.So catherizing can cause infection? and if I leave too much urine in that can cause infection? Dam This MS/TM is the pits.My kidneys more than likely had infection too .I should be on low dose bactrin while catherizing and my Dr. says no more just great....Thanks Every one    John

[Lulu54]

manjohn, did you go to the ER yet?    I have continuous UTI's thanks to self-catherization and last year I landed in the ER because the infection had ascended into my kidneys and then went for a float in my blood stream.

I didn't know it but I had sepsis which could have been fatal if left untreated.  Please seek immediate help for this .

let us know how you fare,
Lulu

[manjohn1]

Thanks doing exactly that when needed,,,,I only been on disability since March 2011,,and at the time it was all just neurological,with little to no meds.and I was told by SSDI That insurance is on Hold till 2yrs from what date really don't Know Filed Oct.2010 or March 2011 Some kind of rule. Thanks all  .........John H.

[rendean]

Sarah is correct , if it a true emergency, a hospital cannot withhold services due to your lack of ability to pay. YOu need to go to the ER if you have high fevers and urinary tract infections so that your kidneys can get the treatment they need.

Financial aid can also help with making very small payments if needed but first of all you need to go to the ER. Worry about the bill later and put your kidneys first!

Feel better and head for that ER!

Ren

[SarahL2491]

do you know why your medicare is on hold?  they have to tell you

if you nneed ER services, most hospitals cannot turn you away, if the need for service is there, regardless of ability to pay.

give them $5 a month when the bill comes in...........thats what i do with my medicare excess......hubby has no insurance at all, if he truly needs ER, we go, they send bill, we pay off in small nibbles, they threaten collection agencies but as long as you faithfully pay something every month, they cannot


usually in ER there is sign on wall saying they have to treat you if you come in with a true emergency

hope this helps
ER nurse out