The Affordable Care Act is great idea, but needs to be more. After all, members of Congress receive FREE health/medical care, so why can't we?
Let me explain ... I was going through my FB messages, notifications, checking on friends, etc. I came across a post on the Latino Healthcare Forum page, the post is about "As healthcare law rolls out, its effects will depend on your state" - an LA Times article.
Even though I had not yet read the article, I am already wondering about what it means for people like me here in Texas, ruled (eyes rolling) by his majesty James Rick Perry (aka guv goodhair).
Here's my response to article (specifically, the title) ...
No kidding! Using HealthCare.gov, I've already found I may fall through the cracks! Will depend on Central Health's Eligibility Requirements.
After going through series of questions (some need to be better written - at least I think so) HealthCare.gov says my option is (drumroll please ...) Medicaid!
Problem is, Medicaid denied me because I am no longer able to bear children. (shaking my head) So, will Medicaid change eligibility regulations or does it mean turning to Central Health's Medical Access Program (MAP)?
When I previously had MAP (thanks to Medicaid denial), I had to argue with them about assets which could have rendered me ineligible but, for all intents and purposes, I cannot access them ... So, are they really assets?
I'm a smart person, have a graduate degree, am tech savvy (so can navigate websites) ... If I have to go through this much trouble, jumping through hoops, having repeated discussions (on verge of becoming heated debates), what does that mean for those who are not as fortunate (educated, have digital literacy/access, and speak English) as me?
*****
Post note: My assets? My state retirement account. I have 12 years state service, so I have a modest retirement account. Sure, it is accessible, but doing so also means being hit with approximate 30% penalty fees! Initial withdrawal (up to/including entire balance) means 20% penalty paid to state.
Example: I withdraw $10K, they pull $2K for penalty before issuing me payment + I'll have to pay 10% ($1K) to the IRS. Come spring, when filing taxes, pay $1K penalty PLUS report $10K as income!!
So, you can see, barring life/death circumstances, I'd be a fool to touch it. In the end, it becomes an asset to which I have no access. Try explaining that one with Central Health staff. It's not fun.
About Me
- LadyoftheM
- Native Austinite. Well educated.. always learning in my own way. Strong-willed & opinionated. I believe in making a difference. I believe in making myself a better person.. in my own eyes, not the eyes of society.
Mainstream society, and the social mores it professes to hold as "normal," "average," etc. are all hogwash as far as I'm concerned. I am very much a "trail blazer" and I live my life that way.
If you want to know more.. ask me :)
to be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting. - e.e. cummings
