Ok, my resourceful Pinecam peeps~
this is a biggie. I'm putting it out there in the Universe
because I know there is a resource, just not sure where.

Situation:
I have cataracts.
Big , fat, nasty ones that have gotten extremely bad
in the last few months.
It's hideous.
It's frustrating & time consuming.
It's terrifying.

What's even more terrifying is that I don't have insurance.

The good news is that it's a fixable situation.
The bad news is- I don't know how.

Apparently, (and puleeeeze don't threadjack about politics!)
I make too much money for medicaid,

the next option was a CICP program, but they're not doing referrals & there's no eye surgeons in the program.
Doctor's Care would be perfect-
if I lived in Elbert, Arapahoe or Douglas counties.

SO,
I know there's other options...
What? Where?
What do YOU know?

I know the best research I can do is to ask you.

I was talking with a Dear one this evening. We hadn't chatted for several months & she was totally unaware of my near blindness. Bless her heart,
she immediately suggested a fund raiser.
I had to do a big time WHOA NELLIE! and explain that
I don't NEED a fundraiser-
I need a resource

I know there's one out there...
I need my peeps to help me find it!
Please.



BTW-I haven't been posting much lately because it is such a chore!
I did get the As seen On TV, large key keyboard which helps tremendously. Now I just need that IMAX screen for my monitor


Thanks.

Edited to add: I AM on the list with the most excellent Lions Club!
It's a very long list so I'm looking for other options.

P.S. If I happen to see you out & about-
and I act like I don't see you...
well, it's because I kinda don't.
I'm not being a snob!

Lo-bay, I'm sorry I do not know of any resources. I pray that they come your way!
I can offer that there are accessibility options on your computer that can magnify what you are seeing and typing. This should make it easier for you to use your computer. Usually found in "programs" under "ease of access" or "accessibility options".

Lo-bay!!!!! I had noooooooo idea this was going on. I wish I had an answer. You're too young for Medicare. Why did you shoot down the fundraiser? Plenty of people care about you - you weirdo! I'm currently on CICP - didn't know there were no eye surgeons. I hope plenty of people read this thread and someone has some information on a resource.

Hey - I just thought of CreditCare. Sorry to put you back on the computer, but it is a charge card for medical services for people and animals. The interest is stiff - would you qualify? I don't know & neither do you! So, this is the link for eye surgeons who are contracted with CreditCare & they all do cataract surgery - within 50 miles of Bailey:

http://www.carecredit.com/providerloc/r ... 1&x=23&y=5

I know they did things "out of the ordinary" a few years back, don't know if they have the resources for eye surgeons. However, they may have some ideas.
http://www.friendsofman.org/HowWeHelp.php

Maybe there is something new coming in the field of this surgery and there would be a clinical trial?

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/home

Good luck LoBay - keep us posted, and if there's a fundraiser, we'll be there for you!

Sent you a PM my friend.

Have you contacted the Council of the Blind? Their contact information is on this page:
http://www.mdsupport.org/resources/agencies_us.html

I'm holding high hopes that you can find a way to get it done!

We've learned to negotiate pricing with our doctors. I'd talk to a few docs who do the surgery you need, find out what the cost is, tell them you have no insurance and find out what their reduced rate is. Most of our docs have a lower discounted rate if they don't have to go through insurance. AND, we also have discovered that most of our docs have interest free payment plans. We were able to spread out a 2,000 payment for an ER visit over 18 months interest free (may have been 12 months, can't recall).

Also, when you talk to the doc offices, see what advice they might have on organizations that might provide financial assistance. They deal with this stuff all the time, I would think they would have the info.

Excellent info here. I am learning that yes, you can negotiate fees, from a different health issue.

Lo-Bay!!!!!! I posted your predicament on Facebook. Here is a note from one of my friends!

"Hi Susan,
In April 2010 I had a cataract surgery done on my left eye. I didn't have insurance. I paid $1,373.63 and that covered everything. The Dr. was William Whalen - great guy! - I liked the results better than when I had my right eye done in 2007 and I had insurance and I still paid 2,359.82 with a different doctor. So, anyways, maybe Dr. Whalen. He has 2 offices. 1 - 950 E Harvard (303) 761-2020 & 2 - 2005 Franklin St (303) 830-6901. His wonderful assistant Beth Hoffman actually does most of the work but I thought Dr. Whalen was great also."

My dear Lo-bay , I kinda know how you feel, I have glaucoma , tha peepers don't work right mosta time , some days I see fair without glasses , other days , it's only a daze for me too see. Went to eye doc early this yr , was told no drops or glasses would help, he did a eyeball scan with his fancy machine , said , now we have a base to compare with . Come back if it gets worse or inna year for a re-exam .
I can't drive if it's dark out anymore , ..
I feel helpless now . Maybe that's why I'm so grumpy this past year ..