| Author |
Message |
Mika
Member
Username: Mika
Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2012
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2012 - 01:05 pm: | 
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This is a request for information regarding my transplant.
I am 31 years old. I had a kidney transplant 15 years ago at the age of 16, which was sudden, unexpected and over-whelming. I was on my parent's insurance policy for as long as they could keep me and then I had COBRA until I was able to get a job with benefits 6 years ago. When the economy tanked in 08 I lost my job and after a few months could no longer afford the $700/mo for COBRA. By April 09 I had only one month worth of medication left. I sought help from The National Kidney Foundation etc; trying to find a way to continue my medications to prevent the kidney from being rejected.
Finally, I was left with only one option other than allowing my kidney to fail (which would have made me eligible for Medicare). I bought a one-way ticket to France. Since I have dual citizenship I was able to take my American prescriptions along with my French passport and receive immediate free care and all of my medications in France (even though I hadn't lived there for 20 years!). For 3 years I stayed in France; homesick and unable to find a good paying job because I was struggling to relearn the French language.
Then last October I asked my French doctor for 6 months worth of medication so I could come home and try to find a job with benefits. I have been living with my mother since I returned in October, searching for a job without luck. I tried applying for Medicaid and was denied. I tried going to the Free Clinic and was denied help with my prescriptions. Now I have only four weeks of medication left and my blood pressure is dangerously high. I need medical attention. I'm falling into a serious depression with the thought of having to return to France. Please let me know if you have any suggestions. I would be deeply grateful.
Thank you. |
pamjs53
Member
Username: Pamjs53
Post Number: 16
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Friday, March 02, 2012 - 02:02 pm: |
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I can't believe this is happening to you! I don't understand why you don't qualify for help with the State and County government agencies, such as, Medicaid or some other welfare agency, such as your county health services center. What reason did they give you for not qualifying?
I would go directly to the drug manufacturers, i.e, whoever makes your transplant medication.
This sounds so outrageous that I would go to you local news and have them run a story about your situation. The idea that a good transplant would be sacrifice a good kidney is very, very sad!!
Good luck to you!
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