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[dward71882]

Hi,

My name is Dana Ward, I am 31 years old and I have had NO SURGERIES. I am one on Jehovah's Witnesses and refuse to take blood, I am willing to be hooked up to a heart lung machine. I have found a doctor that is willing to treat me and honor my religious beliefs, however, he is saying that I will need valve replacement surgery in 2 years.

I am married, however my husband has trouble holding a job so I don't have any health insurance and no insurance company outside of work will touch me even though I have proof that I've had previous coverage.

I am beginning to feel that disability is the only way to go because the State gives Medicaid to people with disabilities after 2 years.

Are there any programs that I may look into for donations toward surgery that I will be required to have in order to live.

The only place that my doctor is willing to send me for surgery is the Mayo Clinic and If I have no insurance the likelyhood of me getting any kind of assistance is slim to non. I need help. Does anyone have any advice for me on what I can do?

 

[SHerrin Hutt]

Welcome Dana,
I am on SS disabilty now but when I started I had Humana. If anyone can find out who can help you it will be this bunch.
God luck, And you will be in my thoughts and prayers

 

[ShezaGirlie]

Medical Insurance....State of Texas

Medical Insurance....State of Texas

Hi Dana and welcome to VR.COM. Check out the following site and I suggest you e-mail them and inquire as to whether you would be eligible for their coverage or not and when that coverage would begin. Coverage is through Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Good luck!

http://www.txhealthpool.com/

 

[tobagotwo]

I'm no help on your insurance and assistance question, but I wanted you to know that I hope things go well for you.

With many surgeons, any blood transfusion is an extremely rare event for a "simple" aortic valve replacement.

If there were complicating or unusual circumstances, and you or your surgeon were greatly concerned about it, perhaps predonating some of your own blood for possible reuse by you would not be violating your principles. Most surgeons do not like aortic patients to donate, but if there were an unusal concern, it might be done.

Best wishes,

 

[Ross]

I am beginning to feel that disability is the only way to go because the State gives Medicaid to people with disabilities after 2 years.

I don't want to shoot your hopes down, but you have to have a disabling impairment of sufficient severity to get disability. AVR is not considered a disabling impairment.

 

[bvdr]

Welcome! How close are you to needing your valve replacement? Is there any chance of you obtaining employment yourself that would provide benefits? Are you very symptomatic?

 

[Missy]

My mom is a Jehovah's Witness so I am familiar with their doctrine. I have also studied it. I had conflicting emotions going into surgery about the blood issue and I was told I could give my own blood. However I was unable to, because of the medication I was on. So you might need to check into that. But I do think the message that advised you to have your own blood was good advice and as I remember, I don't think it is against J W belief. Check with the presiding minister or elder. I would be interested in the answer that you get. There are blood alternatives also. Please email me.
I think Texas has a temporary health program. I don't know if you qualify for long term SS but surely you qualify for a state program.

 

[Missy]

It is me, Missy, again!
I think that one can get SSI and Medicaid when they are sick and can't work if you don't have an income. I don't think there is a waiting period on the Medicaid as with SS. I know several people who are on it. One is on it because he is overweight. I think you apply at the SS administation or at least they could steer you in the right direction. The ones I know also get a check. Keep us posted as this information would be beneficial to others in this situation.