What about the grownups?
I attended a legislative-nonprofit forum this morning and one of the topics was health care. Naturally, the talk turned to children’s health care and how we need to increase coverage to families who make up to three times the national poverty level.
I am not against this. In fact, I think it’s a great idea.
Talk also turned to elder care. Another great idea.
But for people 18 to 64, there is very little. Mike was turned down for Medicaid twice while he had cancer and no income because Janet had college loan money in the bank and a car worth more than a few hundred dollars. They had to separate.
So, what about the grownups? Children are better off with health insurance, but they are hurt when their parents are sick and can’t get care.
SCHIP (the State Children’s Health Insurance Program) and Medicare are wonderful programs. Bul children’s parents and elders’ children are dying because they’re between the ages of 18 and 64. That is really screwed up.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a new peer support program for people newly diagnosed with chronic or serious illness or with a new disability and their caregivers.
Patient Pals are people who have experience with various illnesses and disabilities, who can help someone newly diagnosed or with a new disability work through the fear, frustration, confusion and grief often experienced in the first few months.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
People with new illness or disability fare better when they have a role model -- someone who can help them negotiate their new path in life.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.
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