Need Emergency advise!

[Tinker]

Good Morning,
I have just joined this forum to see if anyone here may know of any ways for me to find some help. My mother (58 years old) suffered from a major heart attack on Tuesday. She has no insurance and because of her age does not qualify for Medicare, too make things even worse she does not even qualify for Medical... They say she had a massive attack and also has a very bad corraded (sp?) attery.. The hospital she is in now is limited in what they can do for her because they do not do the treatment like angiogram or angioplasti which they think she will need. They are bascically keeping her out of pain. Her blood pressure is not stable nor is anything else. The doctor has basically told us if she leaves is like signing her death certificate. I have no idea on where to start. She cant go home and no hospital will take her that can treat her. We are trying to get here ina county hospital but even that is being harder every minute. I feel like we are running out of time. I feel so helpless and have no idea on what to do next. They dont think she will make it without treatment..Is there anyone that knows or has anyone been in this situation? Please advise
Thanks so much in advance
Worried in California

Tinker

 

[tommy]

Tinker,

I'm so sorry to hear what your mother is up against. Unfortunately, I have no tangible advise to offer other than to keep trying public hospitals. I wish that I could offer more. I will pray for her and for you. God Bless.

 

[Tinker]

Thank you Tom,
I just feel so helpless
It is a tricky situation. But I will pray and hopefully we will find an answer in time. It is so scary how many people die every yeaar because of this type of situation, but you never think it will happen to you or your family. I admit this is poor planner on her part not to be prepared for this or anything in regards to her health, but hindsight is 20/20. But even that does not soften the blow
God Bless

 

[Ross]

It's not going to make anything faster, but I'd hire a lawyer and see about getting a court order for treatment! This may not be an option, but it's the only thing I can think of right now.

 

[Christina]

Dear Tinker,

I feel absolutely terrible for you and your mother. You must be beside yourself with worry. There has to be a program somewhere that she qualifies for.
When illegals cross the border here in AZ and they become sick or have an accident (which often happens when they flee the border patrol), they get free hospital care. Do you think they are paying?
Just keep calling until someone listens.
This is crazy.

 

[Enudely]

Tinker,
I live in California too and was going to have to move to Massachusetts for my surgery, untiil I found out about Major Medical Risk. In california, it is legal for people to deny you because of a pre-existing condition, there is however, a program that is funded by tobacco taxes (keep smoking, folks!!! ) that pays for people with pre-existing conditions.
It's called Major Medical Risk Insurance and if you call any Insurance company, they will promptly give you the number. This is the only reason I'm still in California and I am now insured through Kaiser (through the MMRI) Anyway, give this a try and GOOD LUCK!! elena
ps. Did you ever see the movie John Q? Maybe you should watch it, it might empower you (as long as you don't own a gun!!!)

 

[MelissaM]

Tinker,

That is absurd!!! Your mother needs treatment. Keep asking EVERYBODY where she can go to receive charity care. Where in California are you? The hospitals in the SF Bay area that support charity care include:

Hospital (# of charity cases accepted)
Saint Francis (1,211)
St. Mary?s (6,749)
St. Luke?s (6,722)
CPMC (638)
Chinese Hospital (0)
SFGH1 (127,300)

You might trying to search on charity care and your city to see which hospitals might be the best to target.

This article also states that "Not-for-profit community hospitals assume a vast responsibility for
the under and uninsured, seniors, indigent and other traditionally underserved populations." You might try a community hospital. . . http://www.cattaneostroud.com/nonpros/mission_critical_summary.pdf

 

[Kathy]

Ask the nurse if you can get help from the patient advocate, social worker, or ombudsman. They would be familiar with the options locally.

I hope that you receive some answers quickly!

 

[MarciaB]

Tinker,

Please look for a private message. You can look under f.a.q. if you don't know how to access them. I'm so sorry about your mom.

 

[Tinker]

Thank you everyone for your advise!!! I am working on every angle
I will keep you posted
Fondly
Tinker

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi tinker!
i'm so sorry about your mother. i hope some of the suggestions work and you can get some help for your mom.
please let us know what happens.
wishing you all the best, sylvia

 

[MarciaB]

Hey folks,

I emailed Tinker with this, but thought you might be interested also. I was having dinner with an lawyer friend this evening, so I took Tinker's post with me and showed it to her. There is nothing from a legal standpoint that can be done for her mother if she falls between the cracks of established programs. I had no idea that in THIS country, where so many have so much, and insurance companies and large hospital corporations post record profits, that critical lifesaving care can be denyed to the uninsured. I always heard that our medical bills and insurance premiums are so high because of uninsured people. But they are denying services to these very people. I don't think people know what really goes on, if they did, surely there would be a revolt, and a cry for change. Sorry about that, but I'm really pissed off and sad.

 

[McCln]

Tinker

Tinker

Please go to Social Services. There has to be something to be done to help your mother. With all he money they make of the movie and television stars on taxes, there has to be some program for her. It is sad that people have to suffer. Even if she was on medicare, she would have bills to pay. 20% is nothing but a fortune to pay in medical expenses. Good luck and keep us posted.

Caroline
09-13-01
Aortic valve replacement
St. Jude's valve

 

[Herb M]

In many states there is help for those people who have an income level below a certain amount. Check with the patient assistance personnel in the hospital for such information. Also check with your local government office thast deals with medical issues.