Attention Hubbers!!

1. 90

   gamergirlposted 16 years ago

   The lovely folks at Literary Illusions (a blog I write for seldomly) are in a bit of trouble.
   
   Dominick, the webmaster and all around awesome guy, has MD, and is now having to fight to keep his new wheelchair.  Medicare has denied his claims to cover this vital piece of equipment for him, and they're on appeal number two, which is a huge, HUGE court case.  If they deny him again, he will lose his wheelchair, his only means of mobility.
   
   You can read the full story here, please read here!
   
   I don't care what you think about me, if you've got half a heart, give this page five minutes of your day and a little consideration.
   
   Thank you!!!

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   1. 58

      writewandaposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Gamegirl. I have put this in my recent hub. GOOD LUCK!

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2. 86

   Patty Inglish, MSposted 16 years ago

   Gamer, this is totally horrible! People with MD that want to remain useful and contribute to society and even - God forbid - get some happiness out of life - are being denied when people that don't even need the chairs get them under false pretenses with Medicad and other insurances, and then sell them.
   
   Would insurance do this to Stephen Hawking? No.
   
   This health care system needs a re-do immediately.

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3. 90

   gamergirlposted 16 years ago

   You're totally right.  It's lame, because the wheelchair Dom had prior to getting this new one was literally nine inches too big for him. 
   
   If they do deny him his chair, then that could also mean a discontinuation of other benefits, or a re-evaluation of them.
   
   It's bad enough that he is restricted to certain parts of their house because of where the chair can and can't go, but to take away his chair would make me so.. well.. I can put it this way without cursing:  As angry as I've gotten at the crap from other people my whole life because of my eyes and back, I really seriously don't think I could cool down and be calm about a government organization taking away my means of being more than a bedridden vegetable.  The amount of anger that thought brings to my mind far surpasses anything I've felt about anything I've ever experienced in my whole life.

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4. 0

   helenathegreatposted 16 years ago

   Does the "donate" link at the bottom work for you guys?  I just tried it a bunch of different ways and couldn't get it to take me anywhere useful. 

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5. 82

   Whitney05posted 16 years ago

   This is terrible. I think that the government needs to rethink some of their programs. My little brother who can't talk, was denied a dynabox, which would help help communicate better with people. Insurance won't pay because it's a mental retardation versus a physical one, which he has as well. My parents fought for medicaid; my dad had to hit the email button on the White House website before he was able to hear back with an approval.
   
   Helena I got a decript error.

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6. 86

   Patty Inglish, MSposted 16 years ago

   I had a 60-year-old patient in the late 1980s that was wiped of SSI, Medicare, all benefits with several 1,000,000s others. She received a letter from the gov't in the HOSPITAL where she was in a body cast and with both arms and legs in traction (muscle and bone treatment) that told her to start her own business and buy her own insurance.
   
   Her son was instrumental in advocating for her to help get her benefits back. If she'd been alone, she would have been released from the hospital directly to a homeless shelter. Her subsidized apartment would have been re-rented already. I've seen that happen to another patient. It happens to older women who are alone occasionally now.

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7. 66

   Bob Ewingposted 16 years ago

   We were unable to decrypt the certificate id. This is the message that comes up when you click on donate. This situation is simply wrong.

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8. 87

   stephhicks68posted 16 years ago

   Gamergirl - this is so nice of you to bring the situation to our attention so we can try to help.  I agree that this type of abuse of people that desparately need assistance by insurance companies, Medicare, etc. is out of control.  I hope they fix the link so we can get some funds going his way.

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9. 90

   gamergirlposted 16 years ago

   I am on my way home right now, but I'll let Dominick know the link is messed up and have it fixed asap.
   
   Love you all!

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10. 71

    Shirley Andersonposted 16 years ago

    Helium has a button that lets you donate your earnings to charity (I believe we were able to specify which one), is there some way that we could do a similar thing here, with the proceeds going to Dominick?  We could get some sort of drive or competition going to drive up the funds.  I'm certain a lot of people would participate for such a worthy cause.
    
    I haven't seen a 'donate' button, but I haven't been around here very long.
    
    It's up to us who can to help those who can't whenever possible.  If it was me in Dominick's place, I would be PISSED at the fact that the medical support is lacking and heartless.  Also, I think I'd be terrified at the prospect of feeling helpless and being immobile.
    
    God bless ya, gamergirl....you're a good person and friend, as I'm sure Dominick will attest to.
    
    Shirley
    
    
    P.S.  Is there any point in a petition or something?  Would that be at all helpful?

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11. 71

    Shirley Andersonposted 16 years ago

    By the way.....how much $$$ does he need in order to keep the chair?  What's the goal?

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12. 68

    Bonnie Ramseyposted 16 years ago

    I'd like to know the goal as well. This is just sick! Also, Id like to know when the link is fixed! What state is he in, Gamer? Maybe we can also find a charity organization in his state that can help.
    
    When I started a non-profit in my state, I didn't want the funds to go to the huge governmental organizations with all the red tape it takes for people to get help. I wanted to help peopl in my state that face situations like this that don't have half a lifetime to wait on the procedures that is required by the "big guys" in charity. Hopefully we can raise enough to keep his chair and help with some medical expenses if needed. I am anxious to know what happens with this.
    
    Bonnie

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13. 68

    Bonnie Ramseyposted 16 years ago

    After re-reading, I did see where it is about $20,000 for the chair and necessary equipment. But it sounds to me like this would be useless if the ramp isn't fixed as well. So that should be added into the goal as well, don't you think?

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14. 90

    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    Alright guys, I'm home from work now.
    
    I don't know how the charity thing works with helium, so if someone can fill me in, that'd be great.
    
    Dominick is working on fixing the donation functions, and I'll let him know that if he sets up a paypal button that would help too.
    
    I can't tell you all what the support you're all showing means, I am distressed for him and would seriously hate to see one of my friends go without just because the health care system is jerking his chain.
    
    I'll give you all updates as soon as I hear anything, too.
    
    Thank you all!!

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15. 69

    Maddie Ruudposted 16 years ago

    Health insurance blows.  I have my own stories, which I'll spare you.  Thanks for bringing this to our attention, gamergirl.  Can you keep us updated on goal vs how much has been raised???

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16. 60

    vrecccposted 16 years ago

    This bites!!
    
    I had no problem donating with Paypal. It went right through.
    
    Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Gamegirl.
    
    Jonathan

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17. 0

    helenathegreatposted 16 years ago

    vreccc, you're right.  The PayPal link must've been fixed or not really broken originally; I had no problem donating just now.  Granted, I don't have much to give, but as someone whose sister has had debilitating medical bills, I'm sure every bit counts.

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18. 84

    Marisa Wrightposted 16 years ago

    So glad you posted this.  Sad to say, if I'd come across this by accident, I would be likely to dismiss it as another internet scam - and I'm sure many others would have the same reaction.  It's a shame that the scammers have made us all so cynical, because it means people like this, who are in genuine need, miss out on donations.
    
    I tried to log in to my Paypal account using the link but couldn't.  I don't want to pay by credit card so will try again later on.

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19. 47

    dominickmevposted 16 years ago

    Charlotte told me about her posting this. OMG I am so thankful to everyone who has donated to us. We were grateful to host a clue at your contest and unfortunately, I just got my second rejection letter from Medicare the day we hosted the clue. You can enlarge the picture on Ashtyn's post (in the original URL) to see what it says.
    
    I thought I'd share a little about me, so you know who you're helping. I am a full time writer. We make an okay living, but in no way can we afford all the medical crap I'm being denied. I'm scared I'm going to lose my wheelchair. It's my only mode of transportation. I cannot walk, cannot stand, and use a Hoyer lift to transfer from bed to chair. We had been hoping to move to a more accessible house because as of now, I can only get my wheelchair in our very small living room. I have to move from bedroom to living room by Hoyer and can't even get into our bathroom. I do bed baths, and have equipment for bathroom duties in my bedroom.
    
    Needless to say, the hope of finding a more accessible home has gone out the window thanks to the threat of $25,000 debt. That is close to $20,000 for my wheelchair and about $5,000 for a decent ramp. The last one was made with bad wood. It was the cheapest they could find since they wanted to make extra money off the church that helped pay for it. It's beginning to turn green and crack in places.
    
    I was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type III. I also have severe asthma, which is due to the SMA. This is covered under the umbrella term, Muscular Dystrophy. I walked until I was 16, when I had spinal fusion surgery. At 27, I cannot even stand up anymore, nor can I shift my weight. My last wheelchair was so bad, it hurt my back terribly and it kept me in bed. Insurance made me wait 5 years to apply for a new one and now they are denying me the chair. They claim a doctor who never saw me or spoke to me, believes I can walk and stand.
    
    I already received my new chair and they toook my old one away. If this one were to be taken back, I'd have nothing. I'd be stuck in bed with no way to get out of it at all. Its very distressing.
    
    Right now, we are appealing to the Supreme Court. This is the third appeal we'll have and my wheelchair guy doesn't want to give up. I promise to all of you who help me, that I will be paying forward all of your donations.
    
    I have been dreamig of starting a charity for others with MD, so this does not happen to them. Right now, we are in the process of waiting until I can afford to pay the fee to make it non-profit. Once I do, I hope to be able to ensure this NEVER happens again to others like me. You can check out my ideas for the charity at:
    
    http://www.mdp-united.org
    
    We were able to get presents for kids with MD who had high medical bills and their parents this Christmas. It just showed me all the potential the organization can have in helping those with MD.
    
    Again thanks so much for your help. We've received $22 thus far and our goal is around $25,000. Every little bit helps and we are so grateful to you all.
    
    Just so you know why the chair is so expensive, the base of it costs about $10,000, while anything additional costs a lot more. There is tilt, which I have to have. This helps me shift my weight. Otherwise, I can get pressure uclers (that's what killed Christopher Reeves). I also have special foot rests, a seat belt (which costs more than you could imagine), batteries (which should come with it, but cost extra), and a special cushion to help with pressure relief. All of these were on my old wheelchair which they approved 5 years ago (except the tilt never worked right and the chair didnt fit my short body). My doctor deemed all of this stuff necessity.
    
    In actuality, it costs a lot more, but the wheelchair guy took a discount to ensure Medicare would pay, but still with the discount (to $20,000) they seem to lie about my abilities or lack thereof to deny me my chair. I've contacted my Senators so lets hope they can help do something.
    
    If anyone wants to donate directly to our paypal, because they can't access the donate button, our paypal is info [at] dominashstudios [dot] com.

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20. 60

    vrecccposted 16 years ago

    dominickmev,
    
    I'm sorry you have to go through all this. medical issues are stressful enough, but also dealing with a legal battle on top of that. I'm so sorry you have to go through this.
    
    I hope you reach th goal quickly.
    
    Kindest regards,
    
    Jonathan

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21. 66

    Stacie Naczelnikposted 16 years ago

    dominickmev - what a crappy situation.  I most sincerely hope it works out.  When the donate link is fixed, please let us know.  I would like to spread the word.
    
    Charlotte - thanks for bringing this to our community.

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22. 47

    dominickmevposted 16 years ago

    Thanks so much Jonathan!
    
    Stacie - The donate button should work? Please let me know if it is still acting up!

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23. 71

    Inspirepubposted 16 years ago

    This is just disgusting - I hope you have emailed the White House, Dominick.
    
    I'll be letting people know, too, so they can donate.
    
    Man, the health system in the US is totally screwed. Our "socialised" medicine system here in Australia isn't as good as we would like, but if you are genuinely disabled, they won't turn around and cut you off.
    
    Unbelievable.
    
    Jenny

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24. 68

    Bonnie Ramseyposted 16 years ago

    I would like to help promote this cause on my MySpace if it is ok to link to Dominick's donate page. Will this be ok? Also, I would like to post a link on my personal business website.

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25. 90

    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    I've got it on good authority that sharing this link is totally allowed.
    
    Myspace, Yahoo 360, facebook, personal webpages, wherever you would like to give this situation some press, please do. 
    
    It is really heartwarming to see the Hubpages community come together like this, with kind words and sympathies and offers to help get the word out.  You guys really are a special lot of folks.
    
    Also, thank you to the HP staff for letting this thread stick around. 

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26. 68

    Bonnie Ramseyposted 16 years ago

    Thanks, Gamer! I will get started on this right away! Do we know yet how much time we have to raise the needed funds in order to keep him from losing his wheelchair? I was thinking fundraiser but that does take a little time to organize and I know this is of utmost emergency. Let me know if we may have time to organize something. I am pretty good at that kind of thing, even if I do say so myself lol. Of course, it also helps when you can furnish your own products.

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27. 68

    Bonnie Ramseyposted 16 years ago

    Well, I have a blog on MySpace with the link to the donation site, I emailed about 100 personal emails with it and have sent out a special edition newsletter which was sent to all subscribers and posted on my website. If you would like to read the newsletter, feel free. This is a direct link, non-promotional and you don't even have to look at the site, just Dominick's promotion. Let me know if there is anything I should add, please!
    http://store.businessscents.biz/auto/de … scents.biz
    
    Well, the link broke up so I am not sure it will work. If not, just go to http://www.businessscents.biz and click on newsletters on the top menu. It is in the list under March 4 2008 Special Edition. I truly hope this helps in some way.

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28. 47

    dominickmevposted 16 years ago

    Thanks so much Bonnie!
    
    For all of you having trouble donating, here is a better site to donate through. I set up this page and there is my story plus pictures of me. I checked this donation button and it works so you can feel free to pass it on!
    
    http://www.mdp-united.org/dominick.html

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29. 68

    Bonnie Ramseyposted 16 years ago

    Dominick,
    
    I am sure I speak for everyone when I say that thanks are not necessary. My only hope is that we can reach our immediate goal for your chair and ramp and continue on to help you with other great things for your organization. I am keeping this link and I will be contacting you later about doing some fundraising. I know time is an issue at this point but there is always the need to help your organizations raise funds. As someone who has started a non-profit, I know it is a major undertaking and very time-consuming with all the red tape and expenses that are required. I never knew one person could have so many numbers and licenses! I wish you all the best with it and I know that you can do it!

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30. 90

    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    *bumps this because people have asked about it, and loves all of you!*

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31. 90

    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    Thank you so much, writewanda!

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