I just found out that it will cost me $480 per month to heal my arm

[mdmc]

I work full time as a counselor. I make about $14 per hour. I have health "insurance" through my employer.

I received a prescription from my Rheumatologist for "occupational therapy" on my elbow. I currently cannot straighten out my right arm because of swelling in my elbow. Without treatment my right arm will be permanently crimped.

My prescription calls for therapy 3 times per week. That is $120.00 per week in co-payments. $480 per month.

Of course my arm is in major pain.

And of course I need my arm to work.

And of course I have health insurance.

Yet I can't afford to use my health insurance.

Eventually I will be disabled by this condition. No longer able to work.

Then I can go on SSA disability. And get Medicaid. And get what is left of my arm treated.

But I need to be disabled before I will be able to afford medical treatment.

So I guess I will cheer on whatever lame ass "reform" Obama is able to secure for us. And wait with my useless health insurance until I am fully disabled. Then I will get treatment.

USA! USA!

[onestepforward]

1. I'm sorry to hear about your arm.

Something that might help a little is to go to occupational therapy and tell them your situation. They might be able to get your treatment started and perhaps give you a "home program" that you can continue on your own. I've seen many people prescribed 3x/wk and have it condensed to 1x/wk so your progress can be monitored and adjusted as needed on a once a week basis. Sorry you're having to go through this.