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In reply to the discussion: Attacks on SSI/SSDI Should Not Be Part of the Democratic Policy Position [View all]Texasgal
(17,049 posts)but I feel like I should in this one. I try not to open up too much about my private life here on DU. But here goes:
My husband has been in stage three and now close to four liver failure for many years. He is currently undergoing all the rigorous testing to get listed on a transplant list. He is also at stage four kidney failure and will need a transplant for that as well.
he worked his highly physical job up until April after his Transplant doctors told him him that he could no longer work and that if he didn't stop they would not list him. We've just finished a horrid bout of Hepatic Encephalitis that had him laid up in the hospital for three days. We are currently under FMLA that allows him his insurance although no income for 90 days. Medicaid will take two years. We applied for SSDI. with an attorney. Again, no income for him and we have paid what his amount of employee insurance. We are now searching for an Obama care plan, otherwise we are screwed and his place on the list will be lost.
Let me explain, the atty was needed because we are not educated on how SSDI works. The atty told us that with his health issues that he will qualify but there is a minimum of five months waiting period to get approved and even then we are not sure it will happen. If this is the case we will sue to get his benefits. One of his meds is over 500.00 a month! He takes 32 pills a day just to maintain.
My husband has worked since he was 15 years old. He is 57 years old. He is a good tax paying citizen. We sold our home and are now renting a small condo, we are doing everything possible to cut expenses and get him transplanted and well. We also must travel to another city over two hours away to his transplant center because there is not one here in Austin.
He has worked his ass off all of his life and is now very sick and has paid into this system. I grow weary of people that think we are just trying to buck the system or trying to fuck anyone over. He has paid his dues, and now it's time.
I realize that fraud happens but let me just say that our "money grubbing" atty wouldn't and couldn't be able to sue or fight for us without the proper documentation. To obtain SSDI is NOT an easy process and I find it ridiculous that we are having to even WAIT this long! Plus, I am pissed off that I had to hire representation anyway! I am blessed with a decent career, thank goodness! Not rich, but can afford food and an internet connection! I do not drive a BMW and I have a small amount of money saved. We live simply and not lavishly.
For ANYONE that thinks that it's an easy process and that too many buck the system come walk a mile in my shoes.