July 24, 2015

Social Security Administration

Re: Dire Need Letter

In February 2008, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, now known as Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease. In July 2008, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and polyarthritis. In April of 2010, my GP diagnosed me with intractable migraine, later confirmed by a headache specialist as Chronic Daily Migraine. As I tried to deal with these debilitating diseases, and continue to work and go to school, I became severely depressed, anxiety-ridden, and had frequent panic attacks. It was at this point that I could no longer work or continue school. I am currently seeing a pain management specialist, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist.  I am writing to ask that my case be reviewed as “Dire Need.” I have been unable to work since 2011 due to multiple medical conditions. I have depleted my savings account and my IRA, lost my apartment, sold my car, moved in with my elderly mother, and have no income of any kind. My medical bills are in the thousands, my medical insurance is $481.00/month with a $700.00 deductible. That is the cheapest plan I can get with an immediate prescription plan ( no need to wait for deductible to be met). My prescriptions vary monthly, but are usually in the hundreds. My copays range from $30. – $50., and my co-insurance is 20%. I do not qualify for a subsidy because I have no income. I do not qualify for Medicaid until SSDI benefits are approved. I have collection agencies calling and threatening to report me to credit companies if I don’t pay. They call day and night and send notices weekly. My mother is on a fixed income and her savings and retirement are depleting rapidly. She is paying for my medical insurance, doctor visits, co-pays, coinsurance, prescriptions, and unpaid bills from 2012 forward to avoid collection action. She is paying monthly payments to my cell phone, credit card, which is maxed out, all of my doctors, hospital, and medical test bills. We are contemplating moving into an apartment in another state to lessen monthly costs. My mother cannot drive due to macular degeneration and I can only drive if my symptoms allow and if I haven’t taken any medications. I cannot afford cabs and have lost any friends who used to help, due to my illnesses. We have no other family in the area. If I miss an appointment, there’s another fee. I also need dental work, but haven’t been to the dentist in two years due to lack of money. My lawyer and I filed for an Appeal Hearing in September 2014. I’m still waiting. The money is almost gone. I am desperate and out of options. Please consider expediting my hearing or deciding in my favor without a hearing. My lawyer has sent all of my medical records to you. Thank you in advance.