No Insurance/$, but found financial help!

Swordz · Post by **Swordz** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 9:14 pm

I think most of the frequent posters on here know my situation: 23 yr old college student without insurance, but have severe apnea @ 55 AHI/hour. Tried out APAP, couldn't tolerate so going the dental device route. Had septoplasty and turbinate reduction last week and my Somnomed MAS dental device will be in next wk. Trying to schedule another sleep study for end of Dec/early Jan to titrate dental device.

Just wanted to let everyone know I have gotten all of this paid for, or pending, through a state program called Vocational Rehab. They help people with health problems stay in college and get jobs.

It took me forever to find this option, but they are very easy to work with and are doing all they can to help me out. They are even helping me get PT for my mild scoliosis.

Not expecting replies, but I feel so lucky to find a financial answer to helping me seek medical answers to my health problems.

HappyHoser · Post by **HappyHoser** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 9:23 pm

That's a cool program, I'm glad you're getting the boost you needed!

Swordz · Post by **Swordz** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 9:28 pm

It got me so down and somewhat pissed when I think how much $$ my country has (USA), but how limited healthcare access for the poor (like myself) is. it's really rediculous when you think about it.

But I found my answer, and hopefully if any other people are in my situation, they'll read this someday.

Babbie · Post by **Babbie** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 9:34 pm

Sorry Cory - I posted before I read this. I'm so happy that you've found some help!! Yes, we can spend on everything else but sometimes they forget the little guy that's struggling. Anyway - I'm sure you're very much relieved. That's great news!!
Kathy

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 9:52 pm

That is GREAT advice! Thanks! If I need another mask after this one and my insurance won't pay, maybe I'll try there. Or if I end up needing surgery and the insurance won't pay - what a great idea! I would have never thought of checking there - thanks!

Swordz · Post by **Swordz** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 9:59 pm

i also forgot to mention they pay $1000 a semester towards my college tuition. Do I have the hookup or what?

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:15 pm

Swordz, you may become my new favorite person if this works for me, too. I'll be looking into all this when I get back from Spain.

Swordz · Post by **Swordz** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:18 pm

I'm not so sure you need the $$ if you're in Spain! Viva Espana!

Are you studying abroad? If so, what major? I'm a Comm major and plan on studying in Cyprus this summer, of which that 1k won't go towards.

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:25 pm

Yes, I'm studying abroad in Spain for the semester. I'm an English major, Spanish minor. I wouldn't be able to afford to go if it weren't for the fact that the program I applied to pays for EVERYTHING (room, board, tuition, fees, airfare, even little daytrips around Spain). I don't know how I got this lucky. The tricky part is going to be dealing with inadequately-treated OSA while I'm over there. Who knows, maybe i"ll get lucky and figure things out before I get over there in two months.

Swordz · Post by **Swordz** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:27 pm

Respironics Remstar Auto with Cflex: $800
Septoplasty/Turbinate Reduction Surgery: ~$1500
Somnomed MAS dental device: $1000
Sleep study for dental device titration: $1500
Money for school tuition: $1000

Not having to have to sacrifice your health becuase of limited financial means:
Priceless!!

Looking at those numbers (total= ~5800), I realize how lucky I even got in finding them. Hopefully they can help me out until I can afford insurance, and the pre-existing period of a year is over.

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:34 pm

Swordz, if you weren't such a youngin' (I'll be 27 in less than a week, which makes me OLD compared to you, I think ), I'd date you for your excellent advice alone. By the way, I went to UK for two years. Had I known you at the time, I would have at least waved to you from Lexington.

Swordz · Post by **Swordz** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:53 pm

No joke, you went to UK? Huh, I was there in Fall '00. i didn't stay.... Let's just say I got a letter from Pres saying not to come back!

What is the name of the company you are studying abroad through? You are quite lucky to find a program that has all that.

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 11:04 pm

Eh, Swordz, based on the recent posting complaining about "personal messages" in posts (which I don't agree with, but will respect) I'm taking this to PM.

christinequilts · Post by **christinequilts** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 11:00 am

Just wanted to explain how State Voc Rehab works- I have my Masters degree in Rehab Counseling...the only federally mandated profession. I ended up working private sector, but I had to know how state Voc Rehab worked inside & out- memorize all the Rehab Acts- plus I've had to use their services myself when I was working on my PhD. State Voc Rehab gets funding from the federal government and each case worker has a limited budget for the year. The goal is to help you become employable or to keep a job you already have, but they can only afford to fund so much & when the money runs out, none of their clients can get funding. What will be paid for will depend on your state, your case worker & their budget, what your work goal is, and your ability to pay. They cannot afford to pay for all of someones medical needs- there just is not enough money. Another major issue, is that there has been pressure in the last few years to combine federal Voc Rehab moneys with other federal employment programs, such as unemployment- which would be disastrous if you consider it might only take a couple hours professional time to help a non-disabled worker prepare a resume & search for a job; where Swordz situation shows, it can cost a lot more and take a lot longer to help someone who has a disability to be employable.

Another resource for anyone with a disability, besides State Voc Rehab, are local Centers for Independent Living. They usually work closely with local Voc Rehab offices & may even share some employees. Independent Living is also a federally mandated, but not directly federally funded program that not only work to help people be employable, but to live as independently as possible. They get their funding from grants- federal, state, and private & they must have a certain percentage of people with disabilities on their boards & employed. They are the ones who know the way around all the available services to get things paid for- from Medicaid, to State Voc Rehab, to countless other funding sources & programs that would be difficult for any individual to research. They will even help represent individuals who are denied Medicaid & such. State Voc Rehab will typically require that you have exhausted all other available options and often rely on Independent Living to help.

Just a short Public Service Announcement....

Mask	Humidifier