Allow me to introduce myself, Jeri Hampton-Sawyer, at 48 years of age I have experienced "the system" of welfare and its pros and cons over the years when I have been unemployed or underemployed while raising my sons as a single parent.
Regrettably, I suffer from both chronic depression and peri-menopause - a horrible combo that has gotten the best of me in the past year. Worst of it all I find myself without insurance - which lead me to my local One Stop Center.
The experience itself still seems degrading, but customer service has improved over the years. In dire need of benefits to purchase food and seek medical attention, I was pleased to learn that I would have funds to purchase food within 24 hours. However, I was provided with multiple forms to apply for the medical attention that I need - especially counseling services and daily medication that improves my mental condition. Although I provided multiple physician, and recent in-patient treatment information during the initial appointment, I have run into several road blocks to complete the application.
This is where the cracks in the system begin. I was provided with two separate forms Basic Medical, and Mental Capacity to be completed by my providers; Herein lies the problem, I don't have an income to see my primary care physician who has seen me over ten years - I need $100. plus the cost of tests and prescriptions. Although Crisis Care has referred me to a Mental Health out-patient program and provided me the means to obtain medication for depression - I am limited to what medication I can request. Much worse - own my own I located a free clinic to have an annual papssmear, where I received a questionable diagnosis of HPV and an abnormal result and then referred for a coposcopy. Although they performed several tests inclusive of urine and blood pressure the doctor would not complete the Basic Medical form needed to complete my Medicaid application. Needless to say these results affected to my blood pressure issues, for which I cannot obtain medication because I don't have an income!
I have made several attempts to inform my caseworker that I cannot afford to see my physician and am having difficulty getting these forms filled out - yet I have not heard from her nor get direction from Jobs and Family services as to where to go to get these froms completed.
In the meantime, I have been to the emergency room for chest pain and been referred to a cardiologist - whom I cannot see because I don't have coverage nor income; I would like a second opinion for HPV and the abnormal papssmear-which I cannot do because I don't have coverage nor income and would rather not go to another "free clinic" because I find it depressing. The only positive that I can report is that the treatment center for depression offers 20 free counseling sessions and group therapy along with samples, coupons and application for free medication.
Although depressed and fighting just to get out of bed, appeal the decision of being denied unemployment insurance because I quit 2 jobs due to my severe episodes of depression... I am resourceful and vocal enough to say hey I need help getting help so that I can get better, work again and get private coverage which I hope I can afford the co-pay. But in the meantime - I am falling through the cracks, how many others like my insulin dependent son who cannot obtain work at 23 and a felony (another story) will fall through the cracks and die because of this disconnection!
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