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I got a letter from the Washington DSHS today, saying they are discontinuing my medical coverage and monthly cash benefits, effective immediately. (For some reason, I'm still getting food assistance, though).
It seems my doctor indicated on some forms she sent in to DSHS that the severity level of my mental problems are now 2 (mild), thanks to good medical treatment and pharmaceuticals, which means I am no longer "incapacitated," and therefore able to work, and thus no longer eligible to receive benefits.
Now, I do not fault my doctor, because she answered truthfully, I *have* improved markedly since last fall when I had my last major depressive episode.
But damn, this is really inconvenient. The timing really sucks.
First of all, I'm in school full-time. I am 5 weeks away from getting my B.A., and I am *really* stressing about keeping up with the workload. There is no way in hell I am going to jeopardize my academic success by taking a part-time job, while also going to school full-time. I know myself and my capabilities too well; I'd never be able to make it while working. That's not self-pity, that's just honest self-appraisal.
Second, the reason *why* I am improved and stable is that I am receiving proper medical treatment for my condition, especially medication that keeps me stabilized. Medication that the state has been paying for.
So what happens when I no longer have medication? (Those of you who are long-time readers of this blog know the answer to that question.)
Now, for the next 5 weeks, I will have access to the student health centre for medical treatment and medications, so I am OK there. But once I graduate, I lose that support. I'm on my own, and will have to find a job that has medical benefits (which was my plan). But depending on how long before I find a job, there's going to be a coverage gap, and I can only pray that I make it to coverage again before I start falling apart.
And I am going to have food, thanks to the food stamps, and the meal plan I have already purchased on campus. My rent is covered by my mother, and I have a bus pass that is good until graduation.
What I don't have is money for electricity, internet, phone, miscellaneous household items, an outstanding $25 parking ticket, and, of course... cigarettes.
I know, I know, "quit," some of you will say, you can't afford to smoke. My response is that going through nicotine withdrawals while enduring the stress of trying to graduate from college is going to be bad. VERY bad.
So. I was counting on that financial support from the state to make it through the next two months. And I'm not getting it, effective immediately. I am investigating whether filing an appeal would be worth the effort, but that is a bureaucratic process that will likely take weeks. In the meantime, I have 5 weeks of studying, reading journals, writing papers, and graduation preparation to take up my time and energy. I don't have the excess time and energy to devote to fighting the system, just as I don't have the excess time and energy to work a part-time job.
That being the case, I am putting out a general SOS to all of my friends and family. I am going to need your help in order to get through May and June. And that means that I have to resort to holding out the hat again.
If you can help me through this crunch time, I would be most appreciative, and promise to pay back any money you might loan me once I am in stable employment.
Let me reiterate this point: I'm asking for LOANS, not handouts. I will repay any money I receive as a result of this plea (Plus 10% interest. Seriously.)
Think of this as an investment in me, my education, and my future. Any amount will help.
Thank you.
Donate here:
It seems my doctor indicated on some forms she sent in to DSHS that the severity level of my mental problems are now 2 (mild), thanks to good medical treatment and pharmaceuticals, which means I am no longer "incapacitated," and therefore able to work, and thus no longer eligible to receive benefits.
Now, I do not fault my doctor, because she answered truthfully, I *have* improved markedly since last fall when I had my last major depressive episode.
But damn, this is really inconvenient. The timing really sucks.
First of all, I'm in school full-time. I am 5 weeks away from getting my B.A., and I am *really* stressing about keeping up with the workload. There is no way in hell I am going to jeopardize my academic success by taking a part-time job, while also going to school full-time. I know myself and my capabilities too well; I'd never be able to make it while working. That's not self-pity, that's just honest self-appraisal.
Second, the reason *why* I am improved and stable is that I am receiving proper medical treatment for my condition, especially medication that keeps me stabilized. Medication that the state has been paying for.
So what happens when I no longer have medication? (Those of you who are long-time readers of this blog know the answer to that question.)
Now, for the next 5 weeks, I will have access to the student health centre for medical treatment and medications, so I am OK there. But once I graduate, I lose that support. I'm on my own, and will have to find a job that has medical benefits (which was my plan). But depending on how long before I find a job, there's going to be a coverage gap, and I can only pray that I make it to coverage again before I start falling apart.
And I am going to have food, thanks to the food stamps, and the meal plan I have already purchased on campus. My rent is covered by my mother, and I have a bus pass that is good until graduation.
What I don't have is money for electricity, internet, phone, miscellaneous household items, an outstanding $25 parking ticket, and, of course... cigarettes.
I know, I know, "quit," some of you will say, you can't afford to smoke. My response is that going through nicotine withdrawals while enduring the stress of trying to graduate from college is going to be bad. VERY bad.
So. I was counting on that financial support from the state to make it through the next two months. And I'm not getting it, effective immediately. I am investigating whether filing an appeal would be worth the effort, but that is a bureaucratic process that will likely take weeks. In the meantime, I have 5 weeks of studying, reading journals, writing papers, and graduation preparation to take up my time and energy. I don't have the excess time and energy to devote to fighting the system, just as I don't have the excess time and energy to work a part-time job.
That being the case, I am putting out a general SOS to all of my friends and family. I am going to need your help in order to get through May and June. And that means that I have to resort to holding out the hat again.
If you can help me through this crunch time, I would be most appreciative, and promise to pay back any money you might loan me once I am in stable employment.
Let me reiterate this point: I'm asking for LOANS, not handouts. I will repay any money I receive as a result of this plea (Plus 10% interest. Seriously.)
Think of this as an investment in me, my education, and my future. Any amount will help.
Thank you.
Donate here:
Tags:
- begging,
- benefits,
- depression,
- dshs,
- food stamps,
- medical,
- meds,
- money,
- paypal,
- school