Posted by Shay Sweet on October 5, 2005, at 15:37:44
In reply to Free meds » Shay Sweet, posted by JLx on October 5, 2005, at 11:24:54
I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and suggestions, especially the links you provided, JLx.
I don't want to sound like an ingrate, but I'm living my worst nightmare! See, the position I held at the Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse afforded me not only privileged information about patient assistance programs, Medicaid/Medicare options, etc. It also showed me the bare truths that accompany the welfare reform that recently went into effect, eliminating 85-90% of the psychotropic drugs used by our patients, forcing them to switch to uniform brands that in most cases did not work for them, usually that they had already tried and had failed progress with.
I always took the extra steps to cut through the red tape, so patients who had left their message on the 'warm line' to be answered by a nurse within two days (really effective for those who left a message on Friday and were too delusional by Tuesday to remember that they were on them in the first place), and the nurses work their CANS off to assist these patients with forms, financials, samples, pharmacy calls, etc. But the state programs have been trimmed down to Charlie Brown Christmas trees at this point.
I met with a Christian counselor this afternoon, who told me I can't be asolved of my sins, or even hear what God is telling me, unless I "cleaned my vessel", which brings up a whole debate topic that is probably inappropriate for all forums here, so I'll just leave that alone.
Yesterday I had to choose between $20-gas to get to the doctor + $125 for the visit + $60 for not completing the freelance article I was working on OR $72 for Lexapro. I had to go with the Lexapro, and that still left me short on the $$ to pay for my daughter's daycare.
Awaiting Medicaid eligibility is torture, since the process is contingent upon my ex-employer faxing the Dept of Children and Families my proof of employment/loss of income report, which I sent to them on Monday. I doubt it's on the top of their list.
JRx: Three years ago I received Zoloft from the patient assistance program, and I still have the 90 100mg pills here b/c I switched to Lexapro. Prozac is much cheaper, but all of these choices must first be taken up with the doctor, who, as stated above, I don't have the $144 to see.
I wish I could get out of these handcuffs called meds for good.
poster:Shay Sweet
thread:562772
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20051001/msgs/563283.html