Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Insulin, insurance... and the pantry post

There were a lot of gotta do's to get done today! I'm still working on the next pantry post, which should be ready in the morning.

Thank you for your kind words about the last post. A few critical people in one's life is common to everyone. :)

Part of what I've had to do is finally get the situation with my doctor's office taken care of and both of my insulins are now ordered. All it took were three in person visits and appointments for two more.

The clinic is giving me samples until both drug companies send my insulin. While not my fault that the insulin wasn't ordered when it was suppose to in early spring... it is my fault I didn't check up on it and assumed it had been ordered on time.

I get my insulin free, thanks to the drug company's special programs. I have to pay for my needles but each box costs less than one vial of HumaLog. I am very grateful for those programs, having been in intensive care for two days a few years ago just because I missed one shot. Yikes...

As for the stem cell therapy... alas, I am not insured. I get the free insulin but I'm not a candidate for the pump, research, surgery to repair my arm, help for my feet... or "all the above". Our income from Social Security Disability is slightly too much for me to get help from Medicaid. Basically, we're not poor enough to receive help in the state we live in. Stephanie says we have to move to New England where we would easily qualify.

I asked the women at my doctor's office (who work with the drug companies ordering the free prescriptions) if they have noticed many more people having to use their services. They said they had since most people have their insurance through their employer and we have about a 10% unemployment rate in the state (much more in cities which depend on the auto industry).

I don't believe all the talk in the media about the recession ending. From where I live, it is on the verge of getting worse... and that's before inflation hits. Stocking up is a good thing. Being as self sufficient as possible is an excellent goal.

By the way, don't feel sorry for me. I will survive (hey, wasn't that a disco tune?).

Back to the pantry post tomorrow. :)

3 comments:

Scrappy quilter said...

I have to agree about the recession not being over. Our unemployment rate is very high and some economists say it's going to get higher. I think stocking up and being as self-sufficient as possible is one of the best things to do. I always say I want to be self-sufficient and God reliant.

I'm so glad you can get your insulin free. What a great program.

Cherrie said...

I agree with you I don't think it has ended yet! I was just laid off for the second time since last Nov.

Beth said...

New to your blog :) I don't for one minute think the recession is ending. I feel it's getting worse. I have been looking for a job for over a year. I'm glad to hear that you are able to get assistance with your medications. Every little bit helps right?