May 17, 2012 | Subscribe

Disability, Medicare/ Medicaid, Social Worker?

By Jeff in CA on Thu, 11-17-11, 11:42

Posted in Group:

Cirrhosis

Hi,
I'm new to this board. Diagnosed Autoimmune Disease in 1998 (rare for a male), attacking liver. Gained 90 lbs on Prednisone, finally got off it by use of Milk Thistle. Was managing well until last year (2010) when I started seeing problems again, pale stool, etc. Diagnosed with cirrhosis Jan 2011 and my MELD score is 22 so I should be on the transplant list, but in the meantime I stopped working. I have no job, no unemployment benefits, no insurance or doctor. My questions are:

1. Can I go on disability with this diagnosis?
2. Am I eligible for Medi-Cal (state Medicaid), and/or Medicare?
3. Can anyone advise me on how to find a Social Worker in So. CA?

It's so hard to decide what to do when I don't have any idea how much time I have left. All I have left is one little house free and clear. I'd like to travel before I die. If I knew about how long I have remaining I could decide to sell the house and travel for 6 months or so. It's not enough to afford a transplant, and I realize that most people die while waiting on the list anyway.
Thanks, Jeff

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By CK on Fri, 11-18-11, 08:46

Perhaps someone will have more intimate knowledge of how you should proceed in regards to your questions, but I would start by contacting the California Health and Human Services Agency, (916) 654-3454. Here is their website as well, http://www.chhs.ca.gov/Pages/default.aspx. At the very least they should be able to point you in the right direction.

I am glad you found the site and if I can offer support during this challenging time, feel free to message me anytime!

Sometimes I believe in as many as six impossible things before breakfast-Alice in Wonderland

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