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rags0433 Asked December 2016

Where to find medical assistance for my 70 yr old sister?

She fell several months ago and has been under dr. care for a compressed fracture of her lower back. She has been in a brace for months with no relief. Her dr wants her to have an MRI but the co-pay from humana is 283.00 which neither of us have we are receiving only social security and have nothing left at end of month for this. We are struggling just to have food to eat. Most of the time we eat once a day. We have visited food banks but amount they give doesn't last a month. Do you know where we can get help with the money to pay for this procedure.

vegaslady Dec 2016
Besides SNAP (food stamps), you may be able to get monthly boxes of food called senior commodities and possibly coupons for the summer farmer's market near you. Try the Area Agency on Aging where you live, every county has one. Try going to several food banks....different churches have them, and none of them are meant to last you a whole month... For medical, get going on applying for Medicaid....you should be able to do that online. Also look into energy assistance program thru your utility companies. Once you get SNAP you are also eligible for a free cell phone or discount on your land line. Some cable companies also discount services to people who can show they are low income. Same goes for reduced public transportation on busses or taxi coupons. You may also qualify for subsidised housing. Does your area have 211 service where you can call 211 and get a ton of info on community resources? There is a lot of help out there when you really start to ask about it.

jeannegibbs Dec 2016
Absolutely follow Pam's advice and get on Medicaid.

One way to approach getting help is to call the Human Services department in your county and ask for needs assessment for your sister. The worker who comes out to find out what she needs will also know what kind of assistance is available. No doubt Medicaid will be one of the suggestions. Perhaps food stamps will be suggested.

Sometimes there is a backlog and a wait for Human Services appointments. The sooner you start the quicker it will happen!

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pamstegma Dec 2016
Get on Medicaid. Sounds like you need it.

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