newbie

[calcman]

Hello everyone, I was diagnosed with secondary progressive MS, about 10 years ago, and am finally joining the group.

I am trying to figure out how to deal with the cost of care given that I don’t have long-term care insurance and I don’t qualify for Medicaid. I don’t want to use up our household resources and leave my wife with insufficient money to live. M

I would appreciate hearing how other people are dealing the cost of care.

Thanks,

Mark

[Humbrd]

Hello Markdonaghy and welcome to the group. I'm sorry to hear your having to deal with secondary progressive and the financial struggles of MS. I haven't got there yet where I need to have home health care so I don't have good advice for that, sorry. For long-term care facilities it would not impact your wifes income and your home while she remains there, unless something has changed recently with the law , you would be able to get Medicaid to pay for that. I hope someone in the group can give you some good information on how they can afford to have someone come in to help and how they go about it. And what organizations can help cover the cost. Best of luck with your search figuring this out.

[calcman in reply to Humbrd]

thanks Humrd

I appreciate your thoughtful comments.

Best,

Mark

[mrsmike9]

Hopefully you live in a somewhat larger town where there are various agencies you can make some calls to. Many times if they are not the correct agency, they can point you in the right direction.

[Kitsey]

The MS Society may be able to steer you in the right direction. They have nationwide resources. Best of luck and please let us know what you learn. It could be helpful for someone else.

[ahrogers]

Most of the drug companies have a copay assistance program. Check with your doctors office.

[Kenu]

I know after 25 months of disability that you qualify for Medicare. I do know a couple of people that have gotten divorced to protect their family from bankruptcy 🤷‍♂️ and leaving their spouse all assets. There are rules about getting divorced and leaving everything to them so my advice is a good attorney to advise which way is best for your future. Your wife could get certified as a care giver and get paid just like an assistants living. PM me and I can share more information. 👍🏼🙏😉

[pastamom]

I hired a medicaid consultant to help me get community medicaid. She guided me through the process and told me how to arrange my finances to be eligible. Now that my application has been accepted, I can get an aide at home to help with my care and rides to the doctors as I do not feel safe going alone anymore. This takes pressure off of my ex who has to give me rides to the doctors and when this help starts soon, I will be able to get medical care that has been neglected. Lawyers can help too, but it costs way to much. If you are older and own a home, I recommend putting it and other assets in a live estate. With community medicaid in New York, they don't do a 5 year lookback like they do with regular medicaid. You might be able to get the help you need this way.