Assistance with monthly expenses

[Twatson68]

The biggest concern is trying to take care of myself. I get SS (less than 1500.00) and of course my food stamps (15.00) but bills keep going on. Most of my medical is covered. It's the regular bills that are killing me. (Rent, gas, car insurance, car payment, food). Is there any help out there for regular expenses?

[Frankie24]

I worry about this also, I am at 9 % and still working but once I have to go on dialysis I do not know what will happen. I am 58 but have been a widow for 14 years. I know I will be eligible for ss, however this will not cover living expenses.

[Twatson68 in reply to Frankie24]

I too am a widow. SS is the only income I have.

[Bobbiereed in reply to Frankie24]

If you have to go on dialysis and are declared End Stage Renal Failure, you qualify for Medicare Insurance benefits. Please see the information I provided to Twatson68 below. You can get help by contacting your States SHIP Program. The link to find who to contact in your state is: seniorsresourceguide.com/di...

Let me know how it goes.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Bobbiereed]

You may qualify medically but you will have had to contribute to the program at some time by "working". I had been a stay at home mom and was told even though I qualified "medically" due to ESRD I had not paid enough quarters to qualify. The worker then looked further back into my work history and found the required work quarters to qualify myself for Medicare. Some SAHM may be able to qualify for Medicare through their spouse's work history. Just make sure to use all avenues. Blessings

[rascal01 in reply to Frankie24]

64, live on 14000. yr. dialysis 6mths. good luck in finding any extra help out there. at least in Mn. not much, food stamps energy asst. is all. have had elec. and cable shut off many times. was told do not have enough medical bills for Ma. Very stressful to have to live this way! any one else in same boat? Worked many yrs. college degree and this is what you get. ! Good luck to others. I live alone.

[Bobbiereed]

I understand your situation. Here in Pennsylvania and I am sure your state has this or something similar too--Each utility company has what they call a CAP program. These programs put a cap/limit on what your are responsible for paying. The limit is based upon your income and resources available. Get on the phone and give each of your utilities a call and ask. What is the worst they can say? Also check out state agencies. Here we have LIHEAP. This is a Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program. They send payments or at least an a subsidy to fund your heating costs for the winter directly to your utility company. This is in addition to the CAP program. You have to apply for this each year and NOW is the time to make application. Last--go onto Google and look up "SHIP" It is a federal program to assist people on Medicare/Medicaid. Each individual state has this program and it may go by different names. For example in Pennsylvania it is called APPRISE--Florida it is called SHINE. You need to check under the SHIP program to see what your's is called and find the number to give them a call. Ask them what they can do to help you. Re-post here to let everyone know what you find out. I will be following.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Bobbiereed]

Missouri, nor Tennessee have nothing like CAP and the LIHEAP usually only covers one month of services not the entire winter. I get less than $600/month for my disability. I am now 60 and hope to find a part time job but its difficult competing with 25-40 yo healthy people. I am not eligible for food stamps or medicaid as my income is over the limit ($600/month). Never heard of SHIP, APPRISE or SHINE. I will have to check it out. Blessings

[Bobbiereed in reply to KidneyCoach]

Hi, I looked the information up for you. Please give a call to the agency for SHIP in your respective state and ask them to help you. They handle many things---all related to those on people on Medicare and disability. Let me know how it goes.

Missouri SHIP Website:

missouriclaim.org

Phone: [phone]

Program Name: Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri (CLAIM)

About: CLAIM stands for “Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri.” CLAIM has been the official State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Missouri since 1993. CLAIM is a nonprofit providing free, unbiased information about Medicare to Missourians. The goal is to provide local counselors to help you get the most from your Medicare benefits. CLAIM also hosts “Welcome” to Medicare Events.

Tennessee SHIP Website:

tn.gov/aging/topic/ship

Phone: [phone]

Program Name: The Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

About: The Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program is a statewide program that provides free and objective counseling and assistance to persons with questions or problems regarding Medicare and other related health insurances. In Tennessee, SHIP operates through the state's nine Area Agencies on Aging & Disability (AAADs). These agencies offer a variety of services besides SHIP, all aimed at helping persons who are elderly and/or have disabilities to live better lives. Get Your Medicare Questions Answered by Tennessee’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Bobbiereed]

Yes when I was in Missouri that program was unable to help me with anything, or should I say nothing. Now I'm in TN I will check them out but doubt it will amount to anything as well. I've already check them out before and was denied any assistance. I doubt anything has changed. Thank you kindly & Blessings

[lowraind]

This might help:

"Financial Help for Treatment of Kidney Failure

How costly is kidney failure treatment?

Kidney failure treatment—hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation—is costly, and most people need financial help. The average cost to Medicare per person in 2011 was

-almost $88,000 for hemodialysis, a treatment for kidney failure that filters blood outside the body

-more than $71,000 for peritoneal dialysis, a treatment for kidney failure that uses the lining of a person’s abdominal cavity as a filter

-almost $33,000 for a transplant, surgery to place a healthy kidney from someone who has just died or a living donor, usually a family member, into a person’s body

.

Financial help is available from the Federal Government and other sources. In 1972, the U.S. Congress passed a law that allows most people with kidney failure coverage by Medicare. States and other sources may also help.

Health care providers often bill private health plans for additional costs. A person can live years with kidney failure, so getting help to pay for treatment is important.

Key Terms

Some terms listed here have many meanings; only those meanings that relate to the financial and medical aspects of kidney failure and its treatment are included.

coinsurance: an amount a person may still need to pay after a deductible for health care. The amount is most often a percent, such as 20 percent.

coordination period: if a person has more than one health plan, a coordination period is used to figure out which plan pays first and for how long. For example, if a person has an employer group plan and Medicare, the employer group plan is the first payer for the first 30 months the person is eligible for Medicare.

copay (or copayment): an amount a person may have to pay for health care. A copay is often a set fee. A person might pay $10 or $20 for a health care provider’s visit or prescription.

deductible: an amount a person must pay for health care or prescriptions before the health plan(s) will pay.

dialysis: the process of filtering wastes and extra fluid from the body by means other than the kidneys. The two forms of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

ESRD (end-stage renal disease): the legal term for permanent kidney failure. Renal means kidney.

hemodialysis: a treatment for kidney failure that filters wastes and extra fluid from the body. Hemodialysis uses a machine outside the person’s body to circulate a person’s blood through a filter, called a dialyzer.

kidney transplant: surgery to place a healthy kidney from someone who has just died or a living donor, usually a family member, into a person’s body to take over the job of the failing kidney.

network: a group of health care providers that gives members a discount. In some plans, health care and prescriptions are paid only if received from a network provider.

out of network: health care providers who are not in a plan’s network. In some health plans, health care and prescriptions cost more if received from these providers.

peritoneal dialysis: a treatment for kidney failure that uses the lining of a person’s abdominal cavity to filter blood.

premium: an amount a person must pay periodically—monthly or quarterly—for Medicare, other health plan, or drug plan coverage.

primary payer: the health plan that pays medical bills first, before bills can be sent to a secondary payer.

secondary payer: the health plan that pays medical bills second, after the primary payer has paid its portion.

social worker: a person who is trained to help people solve problems in their daily lives, especially people with disabilities or low incomes. A social worker may help with financial and employment issues. Dialysis clinics and transplant centers must have a social worker to help their patients.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal insurance program that pays health care costs for eligible people who are

age 65 or older

under age 65 with certain disabilities

of any age with ESRD

How can a person get Medicare for kidney failure?

To get Medicare for kidney failure, a person must meet two conditions:

Be on dialysis or have a kidney transplant for ESRD

Have paid enough taxes—or be the spouse or child of someone who has—through

Social Security

Railroad Retirement Board

Government employment

What health plans does Medicare offer?

Three main types of Medicare health plans are available:

Original Medicare has three parts:

Part A (hospital) covers inpatient care, kidney transplantation, skilled nursing home residence, and hospice care. Part A has no premium for those who have paid enough Medicare taxes. A premium is an amount a person must pay periodically—monthly or quarterly—for Medicare, other health plan, or drug plan coverage. Part A does have a deductible, an amount a person must pay for health care or prescriptions before the health plan will pay. A person must pay a daily amount for hospital stays that last longer than 60 days.

Part B (outpatient) covers most dialysis treatments and supplies, health care provider fees, and anti-rejection medications for transplant. Part B has a monthly premium based on a person’s income. Rates change each year. After a person pays the deductible each year, Part B pays 80 percent for most covered services as a primary payer. The billing staff of the service provider—hospital or clinic—can calculate how much a person will owe.

Part D (medications) has a premium and covers some medications. Private insurance companies offer different Part D plans approved by Medicare. Costs and coverage vary by plan. A person who has few assets and earns less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for extra help to pay Part D premiums and medication costs. The current-year guidelines can be found at aspe.hhs.gov or by calling Social Security at 1–800–772–1213. Information and applications for Part D plans can be found at medicare.gov . A person can also apply for Part D with an insurance company that sells one of these plans.

Medicare Advantage plans, also called Part C, are sold by insurance companies. Medicare must approve Medicare Advantage plans. Each Medicare Advantage plan must cover Part A and Part B services and may cover other services, too. Medicare Advantage plans may have Part D medication coverage. If not, a person can buy a Part D plan separately. Medicare Advantage plans are not all the same. A person with failing kidneys who is thinking of choosing a Medicare Advantage plan should ask about the rules of the plan. The rules may specify which health care providers or hospitals a person may use. The plan may require a referral from a primary care provider to see a specialist. The plan may not cover medical expenses incurred during travel.

How much a person has to pay out-of-pocket each year will vary by plan. People who have a Medicare Advantage plan cannot have a Medigap plan to help pay out-of-pocket costs. See the section on Medigap.

Four types of Medicare Advantage plans are available:

health maintenance organizations (HMOs)

preferred provider organizations (PPOs)

private fee for service plans

special needs plans for certain groups

Those already on dialysis cannot join most Medicare Advantage plans. However, a person who had a Medicare Advantage plan before kidney failure can keep the plan. In some regions, special needs plans are designed for those on dialysis. A person can call 1–800–MEDICARE (1–800–633–4227) to learn if region-specific special needs plans are available for those on dialysis.

Other Medicare health plans are for certain groups, such as frail people living in the community, and people with multiple chronic illnesses and include hospital and medical coverage. Some pay for prescribed medications, too. Some are partially financed and administered by state health insurance programs—called Medicaid. The plans include the following:

Medicare Cost Plans are HMOs, like the ones offered as Medicare Advantage plans, only out-of-network providers are paid as if the policy holder had original Medicare.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) combines medical, social, and long-term care services for frail people who live and get health care in the community.

Medicare Innovation Projects are special projects that test improvements in Medicare coverage, payment, and quality of care.

More information about Medicare Cost Plans and Demonstration or Pilot Programs can be found on the state Medicaid website at medicaid.gov or by calling 1–800–MEDICARE (1–800–633–4227). State Medicaid offices can provide more information about PACE. See the section on Medicaid.

Where can a person enroll in Medicare?

A person can apply for Medicare online at ssa.gov or at a local Social Security office. Social Security’s toll-free number is 1–800–772–1213, TTY 1–800–325–0778. A person can call to set up a time to meet with someone at a local office and apply.

When does Medicare start for people with ESRD?

A person with ESRD can apply for Medicare at the start of dialysis or at the time of a kidney transplant. The Medicare start date depends on the type of treatment:

Home dialysis, including peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis at home. Medicare can start the first month of dialysis only if a person trains for home dialysis.

Kidney transplant. Medicare can start the same month as the transplant. In some cases, Medicare could start up to 2 months earlier if the patient is admitted to the hospital and the transplant is delayed. For example, if a patient is admitted to the hospital for a transplant in March and the transplant is delayed until May, payment still begins in March. A transplant financial counselor can provide more information.

In-center dialysis. Medicare will not start until the fourth month of in-center dialysis. For example, if a person starts dialysis in a clinic in July and does not train for home dialysis, Medicare will not start to pay until October 1.

JulyAugustSeptemberOctober

First month of dialysisSecond month of dialysisThird month of dialysisFourth month of dialysis. Medicare coverage begins.

When does Medicare end for people with ESRD?

Medicare continues for as long as a person is on dialysis and pays a premium, even for people who have jobs. Medicare will end for the following two reasons:

Kidney failure is the only reason a person had Medicare and the person gets a kidney transplant. If the new kidney works and the person no longer needs dialysis, Medicare ends 3 years after the transplant surgery.

A person’s kidneys get better and the person no longer needs dialysis. Medicare will end 12 months after a person stops dialysis, unless the person returns to dialysis or gets a transplant within those 12 months. Medicare will not end if the person is eligible because of age or disability.

How does Medicare pay if a person has other health insurance?

The rules for which plan pays first depend on which other health insurance a person has.

*This time period is called the “Medicare secondary payer coordination period.”

Type of Insurance PlanWho Pays First

Individual plan—not provided by an employerMedicare always pays first. An individual plan always pays second.

Employer or union group planWith kidney failure, the employer or union group plan pays first for 30 months* after a person is eligible for Medicare because of kidney failure. The 30-month clock starts whether the person enrolls in Medicare or not. However, the person will eventually have to enroll in Medicare. After the 30 months, Medicare pays first. The employer or union group plan may pay all or part of the rest.

Having Medicare Part B plus another health plan can limit what a person pays out-of-pocket for health care. In some cases, Medicare can limit how much a health care provider charges for services. If a person does not have Part B, the health care provider or dialysis clinic can bill the individual or group health plan and the person at a much higher rate. The person may have to pay what the plan does not pay.

In some situations, a person who has other insurance may be able to save money by not enrolling in Part B until the 30-month coordination period is over. The person would not have to pay the Part B premiums during that period.

Should a person with other insurance wait to start paying for Part B?

YES, if: A person’s plan pays 100 percent of all health care costs during that time.

If a person waits to enroll in both Part A and B, enrollment for both can happen at any time.

If a person takes Part A—waiting to start Part B—the person can only enroll once a year from January 1 through March 31 and Part B will not start until July 1. A person should enroll in Part B in time to prevent a gap in coverage. For example, if the 30-month coordination period ends April 30, an employer or union group plan can stop paying first on May 1. If a person enrolled in Part B by March 31, Part B will not start paying first until July 1. The person will have large bills for May and June.

NO, if: The person has to pay yearly deductibles, copays, or coinsurance, which are fees not covered by the insurance plan. Medicare may or may not pay those fees. However, having Medicare limits what a dialysis clinic can charge. The premium for Part B usually costs less than paying deductibles, copays, or coinsurance.

Where can I get more information about Medicare’s kidney failure treatment coverage?

These booklets from Medicare offer more information about Medicare’s kidney failure treatment coverage:

Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis & Kidney Transplant Services (PDF, 3.11 MB)

Medicare for Children with End-Stage Renal Disease (PDF, 604 KB)

When does an employer or union group plan start to pay?

An employer or union group plan may help pay treatment and prescribed medication costs under the following circumstances:

Before Medicare starts to pay for dialysis, the employer or union group plan may cover most or all costs.

During the 30-month coordination period, the employer or union group plan pays the larger part of the costs first, and then Medicare pays its portion of the remaining costs.

After the 30-month coordination period is over, Medicare pays the larger portion first, and then the employer or union group plan pays its portion of the remaining costs.

People with kidney failure should read their health insurance policy carefully to make sure it covers kidney failure treatment. If they have questions about their benefits, they should ask their insurance agent or employer benefits counselor.

What other federal programs can help?

The following federal programs can help cover the cost of kidney failure treatment:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is a federal insurance plan that pays a monthly amount to people who cannot work. People earn SSDI work credits when they pay Social Security taxes. A person must have enough credits based on age to qualify. Then, if an illness or injury prohibits a person from working for at least a year, SSDI payments may be an option. A chart shows how many work credits a person needs at ssa.gov .

Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a federal safety net program that pays a monthly amount to disabled children and adults who earn little and have few assets. A person who gets SSI may be able to get food stamps and Medicaid, too.

More information about both SSDI and SSI and how to apply can be found at ssa.gov or by calling 1–800–772–1213, TTY 1–800–325–0778.

What state programs can help?

State programs such as Medicaid, Medigap, and Medicare Savings Programs are funded in part by the Federal Government. However, states provide the services and decide who receives help.

Medicaid. Medicaid is a state program for those with low incomes and few assets. Each state runs its own program. The Federal Government requires that Medicaid programs cover a specific set of services; however, states can choose to cover more services in addition to the ones required. A person may have Medicaid alone or Medicare and Medicaid. If a person has both types of coverage, Medicare pays first and Medicaid pays second. Medicaid may pay for things Medicare does not. A person can apply for Medicaid at a city or county Department of Social Services office. A social worker can explain a state’s Medicaid program and help a person apply. More information about Medicaid can be found at medicaid.gov .

Medigap, also known as Medicare supplement. A Medigap plan can help pay what Original Medicare does not pay for covered services. Insurance companies sell Medigap coverage. People who have a Medicare Advantage plan cannot also have a Medigap plan.

For people who are 65 and older, federal law says that in the first 6 months a person has Part B, companies cannot deny an application or limit payment for anything Original Medicare covers based on the person’s health. Some states make insurance companies sell at least one Medigap coverage plan to those under 65 with Medicare. State insurance offices can explain the plans in their state. Local offices can be found by clicking on a map at naic.org .

Medicare Savings Programs. Some states may pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance if a person has low income and few assets. A city or county Department of Social Services can determine whether a person is eligible.

Kidney-specific state assistance programs. Some states use state funds to help pay for specific kidney-related costs. A dialysis or transplant clinic social worker or a social worker in a local Department of Social Services can help a person determine if a state has a kidney program.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIPs get money from the Federal Government to give free health insurance advice to those with Medicare. A person who needs more health insurance should talk with a SHIP counselor or a social worker.

What programs can help special populations?

Many programs can help specific populations such as U.S. veterans; military service members, retirees, and families; American Indians and Alaska Natives; children; people with disabilities; job seekers with kidney failure; kidney transplant recipients; and living organ donors.

U.S. Veterans

For U.S. veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can help pay some health costs. Veterans can see if they qualify and apply online at va.gov/healthbenefits . A veteran can learn more at a local VA hospital or by calling 1–877–222–8387. Some VA hospitals provide dialysis. Others contract with dialysis clinics to give veterans better access to treatment. The VA also has its own network of transplant centers.

Military Service Members, Retirees, and Families

A person may be able to get TRICARE—the health care program serving uniformed service members, retirees, and their families worldwide—if that person is

an active duty service member

a military retiree

a family member of an active duty service member or military retiree

a member of the National Guard/Reserves on active duty for 30 days

a family member of someone who is in the National Guard/Reserves on active duty for 30 days

TRICARE for Life is a specific TRICARE plan that offers secondary coverage for people who have Medicare Part A and Part B.

Information about TRICARE and phone numbers for its four regions can be found at tricare.mil .

American Indians and Alaska Natives

The Indian Health Service may help members of federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribes. More information is available on the Indian Health Service website at IHS.gov . An American Indian or Alaska Native may also be eligible for help from public, private, and state programs.

Children

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) gives free or low-cost Medicaid to children whose parents earn too much for Medicaid, though not enough to pay for a health plan. CHIP may also provide assistance to parents. CHIP is a federal and state program. More information can be found at insurekidsnow.gov or by calling 1–877–543–7669.

People with Disabilities

A person can find state and local help for people with disabilities at dol.gov/odep/topics/disabil... . On this website, a person can learn more about civil rights, community life, education, emergency planning, work, health, housing, technology, and transportation. A social worker can refer a person to federal, state, and local resources.

Job Seekers with Kidney Failure

Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act protect people with certain disabilities, including kidney failure. A person with kidney failure may find job training and job seeking information through

state vocational rehabilitation programs

private employment networks that contract with Social Security to help people with disabilities get jobs

More information about Social Security work incentives, the “Ticket to Work” program, and who can help, including vocational rehabilitation programs and employment networks, can be found at yourtickettowork.ssa.gov .

Kidney Transplant Recipients

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has a website called Transplant Living at transplantliving.org . More information about UNOS is provided in the NIDDK health topic, Kidney Transplant.

Living Organ Donors

The National Living Donor Assistance Program may help those who want to donate an organ, though cannot afford to. Donors should let the transplant center know they want to apply for help to pay travel and living costs. More information about this program can be found at livingdonorassistance.org .

The Federal Government, some state governments, and private companies give donors medical leave. Some states give tax deductions or credits to living donors.

What private organizations can help?

Private organizations include charities and foundations. A few exist specifically to help people with kidney disease and kidney failure, such as the

American Kidney Fund. The American Kidney Fund gives small grants to U.S. dialysis and transplant patients based on need. The American Kidney Fund has grants to help pay health plan premiums. A social worker can help a person apply for assistance. The American Kidney Fund depends on donations, so there may be times when funds are low. More information can be found at kidneyfund.org .

National Kidney Foundation. Local National Kidney Foundation offices may help with nutrition, transportation, medications, and scholarships. A social worker can help a person apply for assistance. The National Kidney Foundation depends on donations, so there may be times when funds are low. More information can be found at kidney.org or by calling 1–800–622–9010.

How can a person save money on medications?

Medicare recommends the following ways to save money on medications:

Ask a health care provider or pharmacist about generic and lower-cost medications.

Ask charities for help.

Look into Medicaid and other state medication programs.

Apply for Part D “extra help” from Social Security.

Research patient assistance programs. A person will need to fill out a form to apply. Forms ask about income and health plan(s). A social worker may be able to help fill out the forms if needed. The following patient assistance programs may help people who cannot afford their medications:

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs are available in 22 states and one territory. More information is available at medicare.gov .

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance website at pparx.org lists more than 475 programs that help pay for medications. Many of these programs are provided by the drug companies that produce medications. People can find programs and apply for help by calling 1–888–477–2669.

NeedyMeds is a nonprofit group that helps people find programs that help pay for medications. The NeedyMeds website at NeedyMeds.org allows the user to search a list of programs by medication or manufacturer name. Some of the forms to apply are online.

RxAssist has a website at rxassist.org that provides information about drug company programs, state programs, discount drug cards, copay help, and more.

Clinical Trials

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.

What are clinical trials, and are they right for you?

Clinical trials are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. Find out if clinical trials are right for you .

What clinical trials are open?

Clinical trials that are currently open and are recruiting can be viewed at ClinicalTrials.gov .

References

[1] U.S. Renal Data System. USRDS 2013 Annual Data Report: Atlas of Chronic Kidney Disease and End-stage Renal Disease in the United States. Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2013.

March 2014

Hope this helps! This is the search term that I used: help for people with ckd who have little money.

I find that by doing searches to help others, I also discover things that I may need help with someday.

Also, help yourself with proper kidney diet, hydration and moderate exercise.

lowraind

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to lowraind]

I don't think any of this addresses OP concerns. They are already getting SSD so they're aware of all the SSD advantages and options and most likely aware of the Medicare as well. One thing to note is Medicare can begin very first day of dialysis (not in the first month) when training for HOME dialysis. It was kind of you to do all that copying and pasting, but would have been just as easy to provide a link to the various information you provided. Would have saved you so much time. Thank you for all your efforts. Many Blessings As to OP, other than the LIHEAP, food stamps you could try food pantries and some of the very large "super" churches may be able to help with utility bills, rent, gas but as to car insurance and car payments those that help are hit and miss. You'll have to do a lot of your own research and footwork (calling) to get the assistance you'll need. You'll have to advocate for yourself. It may be worthwhile to put together a monthly budget to show possible organizational donors. Be well and Blessings

[Bobbiereed in reply to lowraind]

I really appreciated this information. It is everything in one place. Right now I am going through some transition issues with my son from Medicare (he is nearly 36 months post transplant) and the resources provided here certainly give me a launching point to further investigate what options he has. This is going to help not only in our planning but also in our decision of where to go next. THANK YOU!

By the way...I copied and pasted this into an email and sent it to myself to use as a reference to help others along the way in the future.

[lowraind in reply to Bobbiereed]

I am happy I was able to help you. I have learned so much in my search for how to help myself and others.

lowraind

[Frankie24]

what makes you think that think that I have no awareness of all the above, I appreciate your taking the time to copy and paste, however, I am smart, educated and hard working !! I also take good care of myself and my diet !

[Confuseddiabetic in reply to Frankie24]

I’m aware of much of this information but it was still helpful..

[Thomas1967]

Are you on dialysis?? Check with your social worker, there are programs and grants that help. Maybe time to sell your car and get something where there is no payments, with lower car insurance; shop around... Cut back on food, now is a good time to diet... get aggressive with your budget. Purchase what you need not what you want.