I'm a dialysis patient at Chicopee Dialysis. I drive myself back and forth to treatments, and my social worker submitted an application for me to receive compensation for the mileage I put on my car while driving to my treatments.
I got a letter back from Massachusetts Health and Human Services, with a large "DENIED" stamp on it. Why? Because I have an unused PT-1 form for transportation. I drive myself because after riding the van for a month about three years ago, the unreliability of the vans and the excessive wait times were making me seriously consider quitting dialysis. Driving myself to dialysis gives me a measure of control in what otherwise is a life that is being lived largely to the schedule and convenience of other people.
I was told that my reimbursement would probably be ten or fifteen dollars a month if accepted... how much do you think it costs MassHealth to provide a dialysis patient with 24 trips to and from the dialysis unit? I'm willing to bet it's a LOT more than $15 a month!
In effect, Massachusetts is telling dialysis patients who can drive, "If you try to do anything for yourself, we're not paying for it. Sit back and let others take care of you." No wonder so many dialysis patients have a 'gimme gimme' attitude... the Commonwealth mandates it.
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Reviewed by Hilding Lindquist (Reader)
Reviewed on September 19, 2005
Ah, another person with chronic kidney disease struggling with the downside of the medical services bureaucracy ... after three years (since July, 2002) I have become VERY familiar with that side of the "business" ...
Luckily I have a core group of medical care providers at the clinics of UMDNJ (University of Medicine and Dentisty, New Jersy) and it's hospital, University Hospital, in Newark, NJ, who provide superior care. (I love those shiney-faced residents all practicing their new and improved bedside manner on me!)
The other thing in my favor is that the Essex County Division of Aging and the State of New Jersey's Department of Health and Senior Services
are assertive in their support of Senior Citizens like me.
Again, superior writing ...
Best,
Gus
Hilding "Gus" Lindquist
Reviewed by Judy Lloyd (Reader)
Reviewed on December 21, 2004
Virginia did not share this policy and I had to drive myself back and forth to treatment as well. I agree with Karen and thank goodness I only had to have one kidney removed but I sympathize with you.
Democratic Dilemmas and Divine Inspiration examines the significance or relevance of the idea that the U.S. Constitution was, as many believe, divinely inspired. How much did that belief matter to founders of the nation and how much does it matter no
Luckily I have a core group of medical care providers at the clinics of UMDNJ (University of Medicine and Dentisty, New Jersy) and it's hospital, University Hospital, in Newark, NJ, who provide superior care. (I love those shiney-faced residents all practicing their new and improved bedside manner on me!)
The other thing in my favor is that the Essex County Division of Aging and the State of New Jersey's Department of Health and Senior Services
are assertive in their support of Senior Citizens like me.
Again, superior writing ...
Best,
Gus
Hilding "Gus" Lindquist
try to have a good holiday season, and god bless! you are in my prayers!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :( >tears <
those who DON'T need help get help, those who NEED it get screwed. i know....