Pray For My Family- My 38 Year Old Diabetic Aunt Just Passed Away B-Cuz She Couldn't Afford Insulin!

[Corey_Baker08]

She got laid off from her job months Ago and lost her insurance. She worked for that factory for 10 years and by the time my mom and grandma were able to get there she was laying on her floor in a coma.

The next time I hear someone trash the Health Care Bill or call it ObamaCare I will go off on them.

This isn't Right!

I loved her so much and now shes gone because she couldn't afford insulin? What the fuck is wrong with this country?

[Fumesucker]

1. I'm sorry to hear of your loss...

:hug:

[dionysus]

2. good lord, that's terrible.

[auntAgonist]

3. how awful :( I'm so sorry Corey_Baker

May she Rest in Peace.

Good thoughts and condolences to you and your family.


aA

[blondeatlast]

4. My sincere condolences and sympathy. I'm a lifelong insulin dependent diabetic

and have thanked the powers that be daily for having even my wretched health insurance.

[dkf]

42. I thought insulin is OTC? Does health insurance cover OTC?

[Hekate]

50. Insulin is by prescription only for the very good reason that diabetics need to be closely monitored

HOWEVER, as with so much in our godforsaken insurance system there is absolutely no excuse for for its being priced out of reach of the poor and those without health insurance.

Youngsters with Type 1 diabetes who age out of their parents' insurance plans are particularly vulnerable because it is an expensive disease, the need for medication and medical monitoring is forever, and the consequences of lack of treatment can be deadly. This is one of the reasons the new HCR scheme will be a lifesaver -- that young people can stay on Mom and Dad's plan several years into their 20s, giving them time to get better wages and a better plan. As with the case of the OP's 38 y.o. aunt, this is not going to be a complete fix by any means.

Type 2 diabetes is also dangerous if untreated, it just takes longer.

Diabetes is the major cause of lower limb amputation in developed countries, due to poor circulation leading to infection and then to gangrene.

Anyway, Type 2 is running through my family, so I am trying to be more informed. My younger sis and bro are diabetic in their 50s, and I am pre-diabetic in my early 60s. We have several cousins who are. This was not a feature of our parents' generation until they got to be in their 70s or 80s, so I've got to tell you this really sucks. When you read that it is an "epidemic" in this country, with people becoming diabetic younger and younger and younger, think of my family. I didn't think we had a particular genetic predisposition. :-(

Hekate

[blondeatlast]

72. Very nice explaniation of the reality we face. Thank you, Hekate. nt

[PSzymeczek]

110. It's over $100 a vial.

A very small vial. We go without other stuff so that we can afford my husband's insulin.

[blondeatlast]

71. Yes, it does. nt

[catrose]

90. Different states do it differently

In one, I could buy insulin OTC but needed a prescription for needles, in Texas, just the opposite.

[revolution breeze]

92. It usually depends on the type of insulin

Humalog and Novalog are usually by prescription only because they act so quickly and leave little residue (Onset 15-30 minutes). Regular, NPH, Lente, Lantus and UltraLente have various peak times and stay in the body longer. In theory, if someone wanted to do another Sunny Von Bulow scenario, it would be easier to succeed using rapid onset insulin, therefore it is more regulated. This also why some states say either insulin or syringes OTC, but not both.

[OhioBlue]

5. I'm so sorry for your loss Corey

That is just gut wrenching.

[MadMaddie]

6. Corey_Baker08 I am so sorry for your loss and your families loss.

This should never happen in this country.

Your aunt was too young, may she RIP!

[xchrom]

7. May the Peace of God that passes all understanding

Be with you and your family at this difficult time.

[Kookaburra]

8. I'm so sorry

Dear Corey_Baker08, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

(These circumstances are so vile and wrong -- this is horrible.)

[MinneapolisMatt]

9. I'm so very sorry.

:hug:

[supernova]

10. I'm so sorry Corey

No, it wouldn't happen in any civilised country.

:-(

[hlthe2b]

This is a tragedy that belongs to all of us... I am so sorry.

And, desperately sad that I don't have immediate answers to prevent this happening to others. :hug: to you and yours.

[handmade34]

11. so very sorry

:hug:

[monmouth]

12. Heartfelt sympathies to you and yours Corey Baker. I am so sorry...n/t

[keep_it_real]

13. "WE" - the American People - MUST RISE UP! NOW! ! !

And make sure this N E V E R happens again in the history of America.

[daleanime]

14. This shouldn't happen anywhere....

May the Lord bless her and keep her.O8)

[Bobbieo]

15. This tragedy is also our nation's loss. Sorry, Corey-Baker!

[MannyGoldstein]

16. Oh God! So sorry!

We need to work to make this better.

Peace to you and your family.

[Catshrink]

17. I'm so sorry...

Many in my family have Type I or Type II diabetes - I know how insidious that disease is. I'm so sorry this happened to your family.

:grouphug:

[red red red]

18. So sorry for your loss n/t

[Diana Prince]

19. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Blessings to you and your family.

There is no excuse for this to have happened in this country.

[JohnnyLib2]

20. Tragic.

So, so sorry.

[Kadie]

21. I'm so sorry.

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Dystopian]

22. My heartfelt condolences

This is tragic.
Much too young...loved by many....and she should be here with you and your family.
I am so very sorry...

Saying a prayer...
Light, love and peace to you and your family~

[nadinbrzezinski]

23. I am sorry to hear your loss

and there is plenty that is wrong.

We needed single payer, but if this bill is the beginning...

[Jennicut]

24. I too am on insulin, 5 or more shots a day. If I could not afford it, I might go into a coma

as well. It is a scary thought and one of those things that being a type 1 diabetic makes you sleep less well at night. I am very sorry about your aunt. I am 34 and have been a type 1 for 6 years. The makers of insulin know that we are at their mercy. And the makers of the test strips know that as well. It is one of those diseases where we literally cannot skip even a daily dose, let alone all 5 of mine for snacks and meals. I am on my husband's insurance and also have my parents as backup to help me pay for the copays now and then. Even with insurance it is over $150 a month in expenses. It is tough sometimes and sometimes I want to break down and just cry and I go though the worries about hurricanes (Hurricane Earl was a bust in Connecticut, thankfully), loss of electricity (the insulin not used has to be kept in the fridge). I worry about so many crazy things. I don't know what is wrong with the United States. Treatment of diabetics has come a long way but very few people understand the burden of being a type 1. Forget diet, we need insulin more then anything else.

[IDemo]

31. Five per day here, too

I'm approaching 50 years as a Type 1 and have been remarkably lucky so far (A1C numbers in the 4's and 5's). But I wonder where we might wind up if the very worst happens economically. Insulin isn't something you can just grow in the backyard or store a twenty year supply in the cupboard.

[Jennicut]

32. Tell me about it. I scrounge around for the $50 a month for the Lantus and Humalog

as it is. Type 1 diabetics used to be left for dead or used as guinea pigs until 1921 when the insulin cure was discovered. I suppose finding a cure and hoping the United States never completely collapses economically are two things that are out of our control.

[IDemo]

64. On the cure

I think Type 1 diabetics and HIV patients must share some of the same frustrations when it comes to a cure. Both diseases strike the auto-immune system, which can complicate the cure. Both have been under study for decades and progress has been made, but no definitive cure is yet available. Stem cells are the most promising area for diabetes, but the political cage fighting over stem cell research is appalling. I hate to think that a repub win this November will push the hopes of millions out of reach for another several years, but that is likely going to be one result.

All bets are off in a collapse of the economy.

Diabetics cured in stem-cell treatment advance

[Jennicut]

69. Yes, the political fight seems to be more important to Repubs then changing our lives for the better

We are pretty much an afterthought to them.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

75. repukes seem to be that way about everything. Politics is a game they must win

A game and an income-generating con; they don't care to know about the human lives they destroy.



This goddammed situation makes me speechless with rage.

[entanglement]

39. Ah, the insulin scam

Big pharma has worked hard to keep generic insulins very far away from approval. In fact, the FDA doesn't even have published guidelines on how to get generic insulin approved. Don't even get me started on the test-strip scam - those "superior" $1 test-strips have a 25% failure rate and give BGL readings that are off by up to 30%.

[slipslidingaway]

41. And big pharma cut a sweet deal with a politician who admonished others

who had done so in the past, things change in a couple months when you get into power :(

[SammyWinstonJack]

74. +1 nt

[slipslidingaway]

112. "Enough is enough, that is not who we are..." That sounded good...

but then went ahead and cut a deal with Billy Tauzin - and that was a nice campaign ad titled Billy. :puke: Great ad, no follow through.

Words or actions - which one to believe! :think:

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/slipslidingaway/308

At the end of 2008 Obama talked of politicians who offered up detailed health care plans only to go to DC and make deals with lobbyists that went against their plans.

:hi:

Now back to the bone marrow failure forums...

[IDemo]

61. The test strip scam

I generally test 7 or more times daily. Luckily I have good coverage, but I cannot imagine how others not so lucky manage to maintain any semblance of control. The amount of money the pharmas get for these -- a dollar or more per strip, is outrageous.

http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/c/266176/82556/blood-monitoring

[Jennicut]

68. I test about the same amount and get a good number of drums to put in my

meter. They have 17 strips each and I get 9 drums a month. But some barely have enough to test two times a day. It is ridiculous.

[IDemo]

70. Have you taken a look at either of these meters? -->

http://www.wavesense.info/

http://www.relion.com/ (WalMart, I know..)

They both seem to get positive reviews, with the Relion getting a "best buy" from Consumer Reports. The strips are less than half
the retail cost of those for the Ascensia Contour, which is what I currently use. Insurance coverage may be another thing, though.

[revolution breeze]

98. I have gotten several new meters at no charge

We keep one each in my daughters bedroom, her purse, my purse, and my bedroom. In an emergency, there is no searching for a meter and we differentiate between her numbers and mine. Big Pharm does not make money on the meter, they make it all on the test strips.

[Jennicut]

109. Yeah, I have tried to switch meters in the past from Accu-Chek but Cigna

gave me a clear no. They want me to use Accu-Chek with the drums. At least I get a decent amount of strips. It really is a game.

[CubicleGuy]

83. Expensive for a good reason, no doubt

I'm sure that the test strips are so expensive because the manufacturing of them requires a rare element that can only be found in the bloodstreams of the CEOs who head up big pharma companies. We determine the worth and cost of their blood by comparing their annual salaries and benefits to the typical grunts at the bottom of the corporate pyramid.

I'm sure that explains it.

[defendandprotect]

94. Sadly interesting . . .

It's also ALL of big pharma which have ripped off Medicare -- yeah -- they pay big

fines, etal -- but they're always allowed to return and try again!!

[raptor_rider]

99. My daughter is 13 and has been Type 1 for almost 4 years

I look at the prescriptions and it shows me what my insurance has saved me. I added it all up one time. For one month, her supplies would cost over $1500.00. For one month! The FDA needs to approve some of the procedures that are being tested to cure Diabetes.

I am so scared for my daughter, it isn't even funny.

[Peter1x9]

108. I have arthritis and am permanently disabled.

My arthritis treatments would cost me over $2000 just for one month without insurance.

It's far more profitable for them to treat rather than cure. This is what happens when you have a profit-driven healthcare system.

[Jennicut]

130. The cost would be near impossible for me without insurance.

It really is insane.

[Ishoutandscream2]

25. I am so sorry. Peace be with you and your family

[applegrove]

26. That is so sick. vibes to your whole family.

[drm604]

Damn the insurance companies and their propagandists.

Damn the fools that fall for that propaganda.

[Mimosa]

67. Like the President and Congress?

This is an example of what the new 'HCR' or 'Affordable health care Act of 2010' will not prevent.

There is a huge group of people who aren't poor enough for Medicaid or who cannot afford Medicare gap insurance.

What the President and Congress did did not fix that. They could have if they'd really tried. These deaths are on their hands. :(

[area51]

77. +1

I am sorry for the OP's loss; it wouldn't have happened in a first-world, civilized country, which this is not.

[drm604]

79. If it wasn't for insurance lobbyists terrifying people (along with Republican obstructionism)

the President and Congress may very well have done what was needed.

Could they have tried harder? Maybe, I don't know. Maybe they got through the best bill they could under the circumstances, or maybe they didn't. I honestly don't know. I'm not privy to what goes on on Capitol Hill.

But I think it's incorrect to place them on the same level as insurance executives and lobbyists.

[defendandprotect]

95. First step .... STOP the political bribery in "campaign contributions" ....

That's what STOPPED Obama from doing anything real re health care reform --

and why he put Baucus in place to STOP any real reform --

PLUS we had DLC-corporate Rahm in the White House making sure that we didn't get

single payer health care --

The opposition buys the White House -- and buys Congress -- and if we don't all

wake up to that, nothing will change!!

Here's Rahm on how they kept our health care system PRIVATIZED . . . .


Here is the quote: ”In a Thursday interview, White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel argued that rather than recoiling against Obama, business leaders should be grateful for his support on at least a half-dozen counts: his advocacy of greater international trade and education reform open markets despite union skepticism; his rejection of calls from some quarters to nationalize banks during the financial meltdown; the rescue of the automobile industry; the fact that the overhaul of health care preserved the private delivery system; the fact that billions in the stimulus package benefited business with lucrative new contracts, and that financial regulation reform will take away the uncertainty that existed with a broken, pre-crash regulatory apparatus.

http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=B2F85DDF-18...

This is betrayal of Democratic Party values -- and Democrats!

We need to get get the DLC out of the party --

and Rahm out of the White House --

[Irishonly]

27. I am so sorry

I don't have the words to tell you how sorry I am.

[Tsiyu]

28. I am so sorry to hear this

There is no excuse.

:hug:

[Bryn]

29. My deepest sympathies

so sorry for your loss. It's horrible that more and more people cannot afford health care and drugs they need. It shouldn't happen in this country. :(

[lunatica]

30. That's so tragic

It would be one thing to lose your life after getting all the medication you need, but to lose it because you couldn't get life saving medication is a horrible tragedy. She was young too. I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sorry for your family's loss.

[prolesunited]

33. I'm so sorry for your loss

If you know of someone in a similar situation, please refer them here:

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
You Can Get Help
* More than 2,500 medicines
* 475 patient assistance programs

Call toll-free
1-888-4ppa-now (1-888-477-2669)
to see if you are eligible

http://www.pparx.org/

The income guidelines are very generous, not like Medicaid or some other state programs.

[lumberjack_jeff]

34. Please accept my condolences.

And you're absolutely right. This is a life and death issue.

[RaleighNCDUer]

35. My condolences, but I don't think I understand.

You are angry with people who point out the shortcomings of the so-called reform which did not help your aunt? I would think that your anger would be at the HRC bill that didn't help her.

[blondeatlast]

73. The bill isn't in existence right now.... nt

[Odin2005]

36. There are no words!

:grr:

[marew]

37. Incomprehensible!

I am so sorry. I cannot understand this type of insensitivity and brutality. Talk about 'death panels'! This breaks my heart.

[slipslidingaway]

38. I'm sorry for your loss, there should be health care for all paid by ...

taxes, that is what over half the citizens wanted. We are currently in the fight for my husband's life, we are very fortunate to have insurance and be able to pay the almost 12K annual out of pocket expenses ... for now.

Even if you have insurance, it does not guarantee access to affordable care.

I'm sincerely sorry for your loss, but insurance does not equal care, and health care should not be dependent on a job.

[Liberty Belle]

40. I hope you will call a press conference and use your outrage to change the law.

Get a legislator to sponsor a bill to require that diabetics never be denied insulin. Get your sister's photo on every news station in the country. Seriously.

From tragedy good can sometimes arise. Look at Chelsea's Law in CA (named for slain teen Chelsea King).

I just suggested to a grieving family that they get a legislator to sponsor a law to require blood draws of drivers who kill someone on the highways. Their loved one died because of a guy who 9 witnesses saw weaving on the wrong side of the road, but CHP didn't order a blood draw, so he got off with only a misdemeanor. He's done this before, too. Now the family has 3 legislators fighting over which one will get to be the lead author on Bridgette's Law.

Many diabetics are young people, and it's a terrible tragedy to see something like this happen. I'm curious how much insulin costs. I suspect its minimal compared to the high cost of some drugs such as AIDS or cancer medications, and so many lives could be saved if you can do battle to change the law.

My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

[iris27]

43. I am so sorry for your loss. My uncle died in 2006 at age 45 under similar circumstances.

He had emergency heart surgery, and no insurance, and died from sepsis caused by deliberately slow/poor post-op care (because they knew he couldn't pay). At one point his surgeon told us all that "you should all be down on your knees thanking me for even having done the surgery in the first place". :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr:

This country is morally fucking bankrupt for allowing things like this to happen.

[Initech]

44. OMG...

[jeanpalmer]

45. Eli lilly reportedly has a program

that offers free insulin to people who cannot afford it. I haven't accessed the program so I can't vouch for it. But it would be worth checking out for anyone using insulin who cannot afford it.

http://www.suite101.com/content/getting-free-diabetes-insulin-and-meds-a94497

I'm sorry to hear about your aunt.

[dkf]

49. I too was looking around for diabetic support info and was amazed at the dearth of programs.

The Lilly program does sound the most promising but I was flabbergasted that the diabetic association offers info but no assistance.

[dkf]

46. I'm so sorry...I don't understand how we have no support for diabetics who need insulin.

Several members of my family were insulin dependent so this hits home.

[barbtries]

47. i am so sorry!

something is very very wrong with this country. i hope you can spread your aunt's story far and wide and then perhaps something good can come from it. :hug:

[TheKentuckian]

I'm sorry to hear of such a tragic loss. I wish you and yours peace.

[TheKentuckian]

48. I'm sorry to hear of such a tragic loss. I wish you and yours peace.

[Hekate]

51. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your aunt was far too young to die--& of such a preventable cause

[DeltaLitProf]

52. Obama could immediately guarantee his re-election by taking this on

It's a measure of his failure as a human being that he hasn't bothered to pick this one fight, that could so easily be one. Essentially, diabetes patients are being extorted for their lives by big pharma. It burns me up that he won't bother to notice.

[6000eliot]

57. Somebody could write him a letter.

[comtec]

53. That's a horrible fucking death

my exwife is diabetic, and when her blood sugar gets too low, she says it's like her entire body is on fire, when it gets too high, she just...

You have my most sincere sympathy.

IMHO, if you are diabetic in america, you should get insulin, no matter what!!!

But I am very biased in that regard.

[ProfessionalLeftist]

54. This is horrible. I'm SO sorry.

What's even more horrible is that there is no excuse for this to be happening in this country. Not. One.

[B Calm]

55. My sympathy on the death of your Aunt. This country is so fucked up!

[6000eliot]

56. I'm so sorry for your loss.

This is a fucked up country if something like this can happen.

[malaise]

58. Deepest sympathy - this istoo sad

Do you know that in poor ass Jamaica she would have received her insulin for free.

[Vinca]

59. I'm so sorry. I hope you let those in control of this bloody mess -

Senators, Congresspersons, POTUS - know the circumstances of her death. I mean . . . according to their wonderful plan . . . she was supposed to be able to afford the pre-existing condition pool and the birds would sing and rainbows would appear in the sky and all would be right with the world. Bull shit. People are dying and your beloved aunt had the misfortune to be one of them.

[Call Me Wesley]

60. Good thoughts for you and your family.

Peace and comfort.

[ck4829]

62. Very sad

[pgodbold]

63. I am so so sorry. If it were not for medicare I would be in the same situation. I am so so sorry.

[livetohike]

65. My sympathy to you and your family

:hug: This should not happen - ever. I hope the good memories of times with your Aunt will ease the pain of this terrible loss.

[TBF]

66. I am so sorry for your loss,

and we will continue to fight in the name of your aunt, and all others who are being murdered by lack of affordable health care.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

76. I'm reposting Liberty Belle's comment--These experiences should be made VERY public.

Make the media do us some fucking good! They love to report tragedy; lets have it help us somehow.

Corey, I'm so sorry this happened. So very sorry :cry: Please think about Liberty-Belle's advice.

**************

Liberty Belle
40. I hope you will call a press conference and use your outrage to change the law.

Get a legislator to sponsor a bill to require that diabetics never be denied insulin. Get your sister's photo on every news station in the country. Seriously.

From tragedy good can sometimes arise. Look at Chelsea's Law in CA (named for slain teen Chelsea King).

I just suggested to a grieving family that they get a legislator to sponsor a law to require blood draws of drivers who kill someone on the highways. Their loved one died because of a guy who 9 witnesses saw weaving on the wrong side of the road, but CHP didn't order a blood draw, so he got off with only a misdemeanor. He's done this before, too. Now the family has 3 legislators fighting over which one will get to be the lead author on Bridgette's Law.

Many diabetics are young people, and it's a terrible tragedy to see something like this happen. I'm curious how much insulin costs. I suspect its minimal compared to the high cost of some drugs such as AIDS or cancer medications, and so many lives could be saved if you can do battle to change the law.

My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

[indepat]

78. What's wrong with this country: buying into the virulent RW PNAC agenda et al

and the mindset that sways so many to do so although extremely detrimental to their own self-interest. ;)

[w8liftinglady]

80. I am so sorry,and will send healing thoughts your way.i am a nurse..

and am seeing an epidemic of patients who can not afford their medications...people who fall in the cracks...a job without benefits,or just too many medicines to be able to afford.i can totally relate.i have "good" insurance,but at the height of my illness was on 8 medications.My deductable was over 200/month.It doesn't take long for that to have an effect on your savings.
Sending a long-distance hug to you.
We care.

[maryf]

81. My deepest sympathy but the health care bill might not have helped...

It isn't transferable from job to unemployment. Medicare for all is the way to go...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9118883

[blueworld]

82. My prayers for you all; I agree with other posters you should publicize when you feel ready. n/t

[Terra Alta]

84. Damn, that's way too young.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

[MissDeeds]

85. In this country?

This is a disgrace. There is no way such a thing should be allowed to happen; a truly senseless, unnecessary death. I am so very, very sorry for you and your family.

[yellerpup]

86. Such a tragedy, my heart goes out to you and your family.

Diabetes is rampant in my family, also. I don't know why insulin is so expensive. They haven't changed the recipe for years. When you are feeling a little better, why don't you make your aunt's senseless death into a speech and then walk it around and talk it around town meetings, college (or any other) radio stations, letter to the editor, or any forum that is open to the public and make all the good points that you have made right here. I can't imagine how much it hurts to lose a loved one like you did. Peace upon you. :hug: My deepest condolences.

[mmonk]

87. I am sorry for your loss.

Such a situation as this should not be tolerated in a country with the resources we have.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

88. I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. :(

[Techn0Girl]

89. I am sorry for your loss .... I don't want you to go off on me .....

but there are a few things you need to know about the health care bill ....

(again my condolences regarding your Aunt) .....

Some things you need to know ....

The current Health care bill is not what you think it is. I was VERY active on DU explaining the mandatory costs after the Public Option was put under the bus.

Let's say your Aunt pulled in the max unemployment - let's say she pulled in 1600 a month which is around the max for the highest paying states so that's around 19K a year - someone in that income range will be REQUIRED to pay out (after the "subsidies") about $175 a month cost for private insurance . If they can't afford that then they get dinged an additional $700 in Federal Income Tax penalty.

Now frankly $175 is pretty cheap - but if you have a house payment then that $1600 a month unemployment doesn't leave much room for additional expense.

One other thing - did you know that your Aunt's unemployment insurance COVERED her COBRA health care expenses SIXTY percent?? That means a typical CoBRA cost of $450 was brought down to $200 or so a month. You Aunt , being a diabetic must have surely opted for COBRA benefits after she got laid off from the factory.

Did you also know that the current Congress AND Obama allowed those cobra benefits to EXPIRE just this past July? Two months before you Aunt's unfortunate passing, her medical payments DOUBLED - back up to $450 a month which would easily make it unaffordable to most unemployed out there .

[defendandprotect]

97. "the current Congress AND Obama allowed those cobra benefits to EXPIRE in July...."

I didn't know that!!

Wow -- how easy and quickly they can destroy!!

[uponit7771]

102. Yeap, sounds like Obama and the DNC need more progressives in congress, we'll work to get them

[road2000]

125. Wrong information.

"One other thing - did you know that your Aunt's unemployment insurance COVERED her COBRA health care expenses SIXTY percent?? That means a typical CoBRA cost of $450 was brought down to $200 or so a month. You Aunt , being a diabetic must have surely opted for COBRA benefits after she got laid off from the factory."

I have been on unemployment (Ohio) at the rate you mentioned for nearly a year. Unemployment does not cover COBRA. The bill provides that employers continue paying the 60 percent subsidy for up to 15 months.

"Did you also know that the current Congress AND Obama allowed those cobra benefits to EXPIRE just this past July? Two months before you Aunt's unfortunate passing, her medical payments DOUBLED - back up to $450 a month which would easily make it unaffordable to most unemployed out there ."

This is not true, at least for those on unemployment when the bill was passed. My COBRA subsidy did not expire, and will not until the end of January (the 15 months I mentioned). And I think you're way lowballing the full cost of COBRA.

-----------------------------------------------

As another diabetic, my condolences to the OP.

[Techn0Girl]

129. NO, I am correct - look at the links....

A cobra subsidy of 65% was attached to unemployment back in February of 2009

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=elwdterminal&L=6&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Departments+and+Divisions+%28EOLWD%29&L3=Recovery+and+Reinvestment+-+Labor+%26+Workforce+Development&L4=Funding+and+Contracts&L5=Unemployment+Assistance&sid=Elwd&b=terminalcontent&f=dua_arra_cobra_subsidy&csid=Elwd

Anyone receiving unemployment was eligible to get it .

That subsidy was removed by Congress, our Democraticly controlled congress, in May 2010
http://washingtonindependent.com/95520/with-loss-of-cobra-subsidy-newly-unemployed-face-tripling-of-insurance-costs

So what I said was indeed true. Go to the links. Find out for yourself.

The subsidy was taken away for NEWLY unemployed workers - which is why you still have you r pony and I don't :) - I just got laid off last July.

As for your claim that I am "lowballing the full cost of COBRA." . I just got my COBRA papers last month. My cost is $450 a month (without the subsidy) .

I cannot afford to pay that so I will not be able to keep my health and dental .

[revolution breeze]

91. There is no excuse for this!

I am very very sorry for your loss. As the mother of a Type 1 diabetic child, the daughter of a Type 2 diabetic father, the sister of a Type 1 diabetic and a newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetic, I know how horrible the disease is. You don't just slip into a diabetic coma unless you are very lucky. It is quite violent and horrible to watch. My sister died from complications 18 years ago this month after slipping into a coma, and my daughter had been in a ketonic coma three times. She is now facing kidney issues at the age of 20. I wish this disease on no one.

My daughter was diagnosed at the age of 6. I was a single mom and she was ineligible for SSI because she had no disabilities associated with diabetes (very few young children do). We did contact JDF and found out she could get her insulin and syringes at almost no cost, as prescribed by her endocrinologist, from our local health unit. We also talked to one of our local independent pharmacists and he resourced a fund he knew of so I only paid $5 a month for her test strips. When I remarried five years later, we were able to put her on husband's insurance at work. I continue today to send him $10 per month so he can continue helping others. There are programs out there, you have to look and ask and sometimes fight! Hopefully healthcare reform prevents this from every happening again!

[defendandprotect]

93. Awful -- you're right shouldn't be happening . . . . anywhere!!

PS: Btw, if you can, it would probably be a good idea to report this

to Sen. Bernie Sanders office -- they're interested in everyone's problems

with health care and lack of it and have been doing surveys --

re any medical problem, at all.

[Granny M]

96. How awful.

It's shocking how far things have gone.

My sincere condolences to your family.

[raptor_rider]

100. Corey I am so sorry for you and your family.

You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

My daughter is Type 1 and I am scared every day for her.

[theFrankFactor]

101. How 'bout that Max Baucus!? What a Guy! No Single Payer, No Medicare Buy In!...

Wait 'till we get a Democratic majority in the House AND the Senate and hopefully a Democratic President! THEN we'll really see results! Maybe this next election!

[theFrankFactor]

104. In Addition

I would hope it to be understood that I am deeply sympathetic to this story. In fact I'm really FU*KING MAD about it. But then hey... apparently I'm an ass hole for thinking we got shit on by our own party and NOT the Republicans.

At any rate, I have a chronic condition and my wife is having her own surgical problems as we scramble to run the Insurance company gauntlet for Group of One (single employer) health insurance.

Blue Cross has put up obstacle after obstacle along with a line up up dip shit ins. agents that can't give the same answer twice. They have "a girl" who faxes out forms and a P.O. Box for us to send time sensitive paperwork... there's more...

[proud2BlibKansan]

103. OMG

I'm so sorry.

[Safetykitten]

105. I am very sorry.

[AtomicKitten]

106. That's a tragedy that shouldn't happen in the U.S. Shame on the system. nt

[mstinamotorcity]

107. I am very sorry

my condolences to you and your family. What's wrong with this country? The spirit of humanity has taken a back seat to anger,hatred,and the number one all time favorite vices...GREED!!!!!! If you have any other uninsured family they can check out the Diabetic organizations at community hospitals and clinics. They give information on how to get medicine at the lowest cost and sometimes free. Don't forget the dreaded Walmart. Don't want to give them business but their low cost precriptions can save lives.Again my condolences to you and your family. And when they say Obamacare, don't get too angry just ask them politely if they mean The Patient Prevention and Affordable Care Act. Kinda self explanitory.

[bigwillq]

111. I am very sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[polmaven]

113. You and your family will indeed be in my prayers.

It is absolutely outrageous that this should happen to someone in this country. What a sad and very frightening time for your aunt. I am so sorry that she had to go through that horror.

[sulphurdunn]

114. I hear that the wealthiest 1%

of the electorate contribute about 90% of the money that directly and indirectly finances campaigns for federal office, and that was before the ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission . The status quo will not change until this system of legalized bribery and pay to play political access is abolished. Such change can only come through radical restoration of the Democratic Party, creation of a viable, progressive third party or revolution. It's that simple.

[Blacksheep214]

115. I lost 65 pounds

Now I have 4 vials of insulin I would be happy to give away.

But that's illegal.

Type 2 can be beat a lot of times. Don't quit trying.

Do quit eating the fast McFood.

[JustAnotherGen]

116. You have my best

Going out to the universe to surround and protect you and your family. You also have my anger. She is one year older than me. She should not have died over insulin. Insulin. It was a basic human right for her. :-(

[Withywindle]

117. Oh Corey, that's awful!

I am so, so sorry. My condolences to you and your family.

This shouldn't happen in a civilized country. Talk about a national shame.

[Optimistic]

118. All Conservative Republicans should be charged with Murder in the 1st degree

The Republicans aka Conservatives aka Tea Party want all people that are not Billionaire Conservative Christians to die

All of them, including everyone on Fox News, Rush, Michael Savage should be arrested, put on Trial, Convicted, Sentenced to Death and executed on National TV

[slipslidingaway]

120. And who would do that - heck we cannot even investigate Bush/Cheney...

for invading other countries based on lies.

Just look forward and keep the Repub/Dem feud going while the super rich and powerful laugh at us, that will work.

:eyes:

Any prominent Dems speaking about the 2.5 trillion SS trust fund that was spent on tax cuts and wars. No, instead we heard in January '09 that we need to look at entitlement spending to cut the deficit.

[Matariki]

119. Oh my god, Corey, I'm so sad and sorry to hear that.

That's heartbreaking. I'm so sorry.

[mdmc]

121. I'm heading for disability as I cannot afford my $120 / week Phy.Therapy

:(
peace and low stress to you and your family..

[Obamanaut]

132. Here's a site I used a lot to supplement Mz O's PT after a motor scooter

accident. Head injury, plus multiple broken bones.

Go to the index at the site, and in the exercise instruction section there are human forms. Click on a part, and it takes you to exercises for that part. There are exercises for free weights, machines, and no equipment at all. It was good for us.

www.exrx.net

[Dappleganger]

122. Don't tell me we're not living in a 3rd world country.

This should never, ever happen in civilization.

I am so sorry for your loss. :(

[jesus_of_suburbia]

123. It's just horrible that we don't have single payer healthcare in our country.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Corey.


I hope we eventually "get it". None of the Dem candidates in 2008 campaigned on it, and all 3 serious contenders should have.

[RedCloud]

124. This is the modern Trail of Tears... So sorry.

[gateley]

126. Oh, my deepest sympathy! I'm so sorry, and this is so wrong! Not to get

political, but you should contact your congressional rep and Senators. They need to have info like this to better fight on our behalf.

May she rest from her labors, for her good deeds go with her.

:hug:

[Sancho]

127. Damn them!

My brother in law also lost his employee insurance and died in his thirties when he couldn't afford doctors and insulin and testing supplies. My wife is diabetic and is in her 34th year of teaching school. Because of collective bargaining, she has always had insurance. We live in an uncivilized country. I can't understand it.

I'm so sorry, and it happens every day in the US.

[lunasun]

128. I am so sorry for your loss that should not have been, not here , not in 2010

This country is getting so wicked and cold ... none for all - everyone for themselves it seems(present parties excluded)...

[raccoon]

131. I'm sorry to hear that.

It really sucks that this country doesn't have a national health plan for its citizens.