I am getting the full runaround on my wheelchair. I started calling all the numbers that have been provided to me. I even called the AZ Disability Lawyers Association (or whatever it is called). They told me that their head person was paraplegic and has not been able to get insurance to provide him with a new chair for 4 years. I find that unbelievable.
I've been on the phone with my doctor's office who says to call my insurance company who has no record of the request for a wheelchair and no they will not let me talk to the authorizations dept, only a provider can do that, so I need to talk to the doctor's office. Oh, I might be able to call the people that delivered the wheelchair. Maybe they made a mistake. I'm waiting for a call back from them.
The only thing my doctor's office will do is for me to go in, again, and beg for a electric powered wheelchair so that we can start the whole process over again because evidently having severe rheumatoid arthritis is not sufficient reason on its own. Of course, it is a big problem to go to the doctor's office because I don't have any ramps. No, that requires me being in need of a full time nurse to get ramps. And, I can't lift the wheelchair because nobody seems to get that. We can't even seem to get on the same planet with that concept of needing a wheelchair lift.
So, I have to make this extra appointment to a doctor who wasn't listening the first two visits I made that I need help getting around.
I haven't heard a word from the letters that I wrote to my Senator or my Governor. I called Social Security. All I could get was "it's in process." Same thing with LTD but they can take another 4-6 weeks from the last time they requested paperwork which was on Dec 5th. So each time that they can think of an excuse to ask for another piece of paper, they can extend the wait.
I'm running in circles. It doesn't matter if I'm nice, stern or crying. I cannot get a case worker for at least two weeks although I have two requests in that are longer than that. Same thing with everyone is that it's at least 2-4 weeks before anyone will do anything.
So, I want to write a letter or call someone that can bring attention to this matter. Well, really, I don't. Because I am too sick to fight with this. And, the PT paperwork was lost on the fax machine. The Rheumy didn't send the request for the Hematologist referral over to my Primary for this life threatening anemia which is making me so sick.
Who do I call or write to at this point? I don't want to take this fight public. I don't want to be exposed. But this is horrific because this is Standard Operating Procedure.
Oh, and I found out why I got rejected by Arizona Long Term Care, because I'm so young it would cost them millions. Usually, you have to have multiple falls BEFORE you can get help from them.
I do not have enough strength or courage to battle. And, I don't understand why it has to be such a battle. I'm too sick even to pull my Christmas tree out or even shop for small gifts for my kids.
My parents want me to go public with all this which isn't like them at all. So, if I do, who should I contact? Obviously, the Senator and Governor are not paying attention.
Omg, what a bunch of bs!! I know in my area, one of the local tv news stations has a hot line you can call if you have a problem and they will investigate it for you and try to get it resolved. They run stories on scam contractors and problems with the city and people in need. Have you checked some of your local news stations to see if they have a similar program?
I hope things start to work out for you soon! Love and hugs
Deanna, I haven't posted much but I've been following your crisis situation and I'm astonished at the lack of help, follow-up, and BS that has taken place. My one word of advice is to go to your local newspaper. In a metropolitan area the size that you live in, there must be one or two human interest reporters. Most reporters have email addresses that can be secured by calling the newspaper or by finding the paper's website. Newspapers love this kind of story...I'm sorry but that's the nature of the news business. Start there and if no positive response I'd go to the TV stations. You might not get an individual story done about your life situation but you might be part of a larger story concerning insurance or state protocols. Who knows what the outcome will be. I'd definately go for it. I know that you must be absolutely worn out, but if there's one spark left use it to get your story to the public and in the process you'll be helped.
I didn't make much progress on this today. Found out that you are allowed a electrically powered chair on Medicaid only if you need it for inside your home. You cannot need it just to get out even if it is to doctor's appointments.
And, forget the chair lift. No, until I get Social Security and can pay for it myself, I am forced to take the medical transportation. So what if I have three appointments in one day and they can't possibly do it, because they won't, they don't.
I have an appointment with my doctor Friday to argue for getting an electric chair.
I feel a little like Don Quioxite, sparring with windmills that go round and round in circles. I just need Squanto to help me along. The donkey is definitely the system (hey, does that make it a Republican - oh, wrong thread).
I just don't have the energy to fight.
I am so sorry Deanna and cannot believe how people with disabilities are jerked around! I agree with contacting the news and press. Our government has great laws for employment and the disabled but how about making sure the disabled get treated with respect when we cannot be employed.
I will be praying special for you.
Thanks Bonny. I just have to get my nerve up.You can do this !!! You go to the media and we will write letters to support you. Just a little more effort - call the papers, radio and tv. LOVEDeanna - you are the feistiest women I know with rheumatoid arthritis so please gather up all your resources & fight the system. You must be so tired, it is Christmas so rest for a week or so & plan your strategy - we will all be here to support you.