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douglass
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Reged: 01/10/08
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Posts: 23
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patient assistance programs
#236150 - 02/02/08 09:01 AM
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hey everybody- just wanted to let you know that there are some great patient assistance programs out there for alot of your hiv needs- for free meds go to your local social services office-for treatment of facial fat loss look up sculptra and radience and if you can no longer work have your doctor apply for ssi - there are just so many options out there so take full advantage of them.remember once diagnosed your goal should be about taking care of yourself.
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dj1979
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Reged: 03/02/06
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Posts: 276
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Loc: rural upstate NY
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Speaking of SSI and disability, does anyone have any experience with qualifying for these programs? I've looked at the SSA definitions, and it's hard to tell. Anyone with low CD4 and some symptoms able to get SSD? Just wondering....
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douglass
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i qualified with no waiting - just the usual 6 mos before you get your first check. my doctor filled out the forms and i was approved within 3 weeks. everyone who is hiv + should apply for ssi at some point.
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Just because you have HIV does not qualify you for SSI benefits. Work as long as you possibly can because the money you receive off SSI is not anything that you will be happy with. You will survive on SSI but that is it.
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Actually, no. I have had cancer, have rheumatoid arthritis, 3 spine surgeries and HIV and I work full time for a living. So personally, wouldn't know anything about disability, nor would I want to. Good luck with your search.
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dj1979
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Guru
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Loc: rural upstate NY
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If I was currently working, I wouldn't be inquiring about SSI. I have not worked for over a year, and now do not feel well enough to work. If I am eligible for SSD/SSI based on my past earnings, I would actually make out a lot better than my current situation. I used to make a decent income; believe my monthly SSD benefit would be well over $1000, much more than my current situation. I just wanted to know if anyone had any experience with what it takes to qualify. I know we should work as long as possible, but doing anything is wearing me out, it seems. I have some other medical problems as well, including MS.
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douglass
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PLEASE SEEK ADVICE FROM YOUR DR --IN ALL LIKELIHOOD YOU WILL QUALIFY FOR SSI - NOT JUST BASED ON YOUR HIV+ BUT ALSO YOUR MS. GOOD LUCK.
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pozartistsd
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Reged: 01/04/08
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Loc: San Diego, CA
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i was denied SSI (in california) as even with an aids diagnosis (due to low cd4 count) as i was still considered able bodied and therefore able to work. of course my main objective was to get qualification for the various Ryan White programs, including ADAP for meds. Ryan White being a "last resort" payer insisted i apply for SSI and when denied they covered me. but it would be nice to get some type of supplemental income as i am self employed and as im sure many of you can relate, dont always feel up to working be it due to mental and/or physical reasons. I chalk all this up to being newly diagnosed (5/07) and i push myself extra hard to make $$$. Luckily i have a phenomenal support system and a very generous and caring roommate/friend. I feel indebted to him though, so, in a good way this is motivating me be productive which has positive health influences. Ironically i ended up in a study so all HIV meds are provided free although the study required me to have a doctor which i didnt have as i was uninsured. the ryan white "early intervention program" provides this along with other key support (even psychologists) so i highly recommend this program for those of you that are uninsured and live it states where this program exists. funny, i just left a job of 14 years with full benefits just prior to my diagnosis! that's life!
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Thanks for the info Douglass and for the reminder that we need to take care of ourselves. We are the President & CEO of our company called SELF. If SELF fails, we are ultimately responsible.
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douglass
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I JUST DONT UNDERSTAND WHY YOU CANT QUALIFY FOR ASSISTANCE - THE STATE OF CA IS SUPPOSE TO BE ONE OF THE MORE LIBERAL AND SHOULD HAVE SOME PROGRAMS THAT CAN HELP YOU- ALSO ALOT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOUR DOCTORS DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED PLAYS A HUGE ROLE IN RATHER YOU CAN GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE- TALK TO YOUR DR AGAIN AND REAPPLY-ALSO TRY YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE- THERE ARE ALOT OF PROGRAMS OUT THERE- I WISH YOU BEST OF LUCK GET US POSTED.
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