You’re Already Sick, but how do you Stay Well?Getting the Help You Need

By
Marcinho Savant

SHREVEPORT, La. --- Despite the enactment of the Affordable Care Act (A.C.A./“Obama Care”), there remains a substantial number of people who have chosen not to apply for health care. If you are in need of care, are underemployed, retired, disabled, et cetera, isn’t it wise to apply immediately, for the coverage that a large number of US citizens enjoy?

In my case, I was ineligible for the ACA program, because, as a disabled person, I was already covered by Medicare, and Medicaid. With supplemental insurance bridge, and long-term care policies, at my expense, I was fortunate enough to have my recent medical bills covered for the parts my insurance did not. In the past seven months, so far, my medical bills (surgery, hospital stay, rehabilitation, therapies) exceeded $270,000.00.

I humbly advise everyone to check their eligibility for any assistance available. If you are, or care for, someone elderly or disabled, it is worth it to contact your local Medicare, or Medicaid office--- particularly if you are in financial need. Help may exist for you that you don’t know was available.

There is help for people caring for loved ones... Sometimes you just need a break.  A moment away from the challenges of taking care of another person. If you care for someone elderly or disabled, there are programs to assist you as well, such as Respite Care, which has someone come into the patient’s home, and give the resident/family caregiver a break. Carers get opportunities to go shopping, to appointments, dinner, a movie... Anywhere that will offer them a break from the daily responsibilities of caregiving for a loved one.

A good place to start is the Caddo Parish Council on Aging. They are a clearing house of helpful information, and referrals, to various agencies and organizations in existence to help those in need. The non-profit is located at 1700 Buckner St #240, Shreveport, LA 71101 Their number is (318) 676-7900. You may visit their website at http://www.caddocouncilonaging.org.

You can reach the Shreveport offices of Medicare at 1240 S Pointe Parkway, Shreveport, LA 71105. Their toll-free number is (877) 319-3074. For local Medicare assistance, please visit their office at 3020 Knight St., Shreveport, LA 71105. Their free phone number is (888) 342-6207.

There is no crime, nor any shame, in needing medical help. In this writer’s opinion, the worst crime is not seeking the help one needs.  Isn’t it worth a phone call, or a visit to find out?

                                                                         ###


About the writer:

Marcinho Savant, a disabled Shreveport/Bossier resident, is a former health care worker in both private-duty, and institutional care environments. He is an author, executive, entertainment expert, and nursing home survivor.

Words: 457 with Boilerplate
8-27-15