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mandate50 Asked September 2013

Does the office of the aging help a 63 yr. old, who has no health insurance get medical attention?

My 63 yr. old friend is very sickly, she lives on social security; $900 something a month, and cannot afford to even see a doctor. Is there any help for her?

EXPERT Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF Sep 2013
I agree that she should apply for Medicaid. Meanwhile, see if you have a community Free Clinic. Many communities do. You could try calling Social Services. They would probably know. If there's an emergency, she can go to ER. They have to treat her.
Good luck. Please help her get the Medicare work started right away (through Social Services).
Carol

jeannegibbs Sep 2013
Let us fervently hope that with the affordable health care act, these kinds of situations (all too common) will be greatly reduced!

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StandingAlone Sep 2013
She should qualify for Medicaid.. Call DSS and they can point you in the right direction... She'll be able to go to a doctor, and her meds paid for..

ohjeezleweez Sep 2013
Hello - not sure what state you live in but here in Oregon if she does not have Medicare, then she would have to apply just like everybody else trying to get medical, which in Oregon for the moment it is closed to those who aren't aged, blind, or disabled (disabled meaning they have a disability determination by Social Security Administration with Medicare). The Affordable Care Act here is called Cover Oregon and applications are being accepted in October and everybody that qualifies for insurance will have it 01/01/2014; I have to guess that it is pretty much the same for each state since it is backed by federal dollars. You could ask if your state has presumptive Medicaid, which we do have here, but that means getting a disability determination before getting insurance and that can take many many months. I suggest you go with her and apply because all medical programs must be looked at to see if she is eligible before a formal denial can be made and then you will at least have a denial reason in writing and hearing rights. Hope this helps.

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