I'm looking for the Arthritis Foundation, for a grant so they can help me?

Question

I don't have enough income to pay for the 20% that Medicare doesn't pay, so that I can have physical therapy, along with water excercises. My income is at the poverty level, and I can't afford the 'price' starting out at 3 times per week, of which I would have to pay approximately $180.00 per month. And that doesn't count my transporation cost either, which is $2.00 each way, on the Handi Wheels bus for the handicapped. At this time, I'm without any form of exercise. Thank you for the chance to explain my situation to you.

Answer 1

Have you tried applying for Medicaid? Medicaid can help with the copays. You can apply for it on the state website or by going to the local welfare/Department of Human Resources. The number should be in the blue pages of your telephone book.

Answer 2

Medicare and Medicaid can be extremely confusing--and sorting through the red tape can make one's head spin a bit. Then there are consumer questions that come up--like it sounds like you are facing! Lots of paper and complications to figure out!

Since you say that you are on Medicare, I am assuming that you are over age 60. If you want to talk to "real people"who are familiar with the nuances of Medicare and Medicaid programs, are good at listening to seniors and caregivers and explaining things in an easy-to understand way, and also good at cutting through the red tape, I would highly recommend that you connect with your local Area Agency on Aging.

Area Agencies on Aging are one of the best kept secrets around for older Americans and their families who are seeking information on Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and other kinds of consumer questions that senior Americans face. There is one where you live since this is a national network. The staff there will visit with you and guide you to information you need to answer your question and get some help to sort through the red tape. They would also know about services of the Arthitis Foundation where you live. Since they talk with seniors and caregivers every day--and answer lots of questions--they will explain how things are supposed to work in the situation you are in. They will be able to offer perspectives about options you might have and what your next steps might be. If they don't know the answer to a question--they will know the person who can provide the answer.

There is a program called "Extra Help" under Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) for very-low income beneficiaries--they will be able to explain this to you and determine if this might help you somehow.

It's important to know that Area Agencies on Aging groups are not selling any particular service or insurance plan. The information they will provide you will be objective.

You can call toll-free 1-800-677-1116 to find how to contact the Area Agency serving you. When you call your local Area Agency on Aging, ask for the "Information and Assistance" staff person who deals with Medicare-related consumer issues.

Another thing to know is that Area Agencies on Aging have resources and support services that help older Americans and their caregivers. You might find other helpful information by making this call.

If you do contact your local Area Agency on Aging and like the help that they give you, let your local county officials and your folks in Congress know. Area Agencies on Aging don't have big budgets--their funding comes from the Older Americans Act and appropriations for most services have not increased for 25 years! Your voluntary financial contribution of any amount--which is absolutely not required to get the help you need to answer this question--would certainly be appreciated.

Hope this helps! Good luck and best wishes to you