Medicaid left me helpless

My name is Tiffinei Lee, and I am a 25-year-old diabetic. I have had type-1 diabetes for 17 years. Each year has been harder than the last regarding my disease. I take up to 12 shots a day to control my diabetes and test my blood sugar up to six times a day. Five months ago, I was denied for Medicaid the third time. I have applied and applied and applied: I get denied because I am not blind, over 65, pregnant and do not have kids. I do have type-1 brittle diabetes, early onset glaucoma, depression and panic with anxiety disorder, all of which keep me from working. I have not worked for almost two years. Six months ago, I was forced to move back in with my disabled parents, who cannot support me.

I have been going to the local health department, but I keep getting referred to other doctors because there is no doctor there that cannot treat my disease. I cannot afford the specialist doctors that I have not seen since I was 19.

I have been fighting for state-funded health insurance for six years, and I am tired of just getting pushed to the side. I want my story heard! I know that I cannot be the only person out here who is fighting for Medicaid.

I feel like with the upcoming elections, the readers need to know what their governor and senators are not doing for their citizens. I have contacted [Sens.] Kay Hagan and Richard Burr along with [Gov.] Bev Purdue and have not received an e-mail or call back. I want my voice heard, and I am going to get it heard by someone who can help me one way or the other.

— Tiffinei Lee
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

One thought on “Medicaid left me helpless

  1. Rob Close

    Tiffinei,

    I know someone just like you up here in Massachusetts; same symptoms, and yes, they do get government help. It did take a long time to get approved…but that person is doing better psychologically and physically now.

    My suggestion is to talk to a lawyer who specializes in this; they ought to only ask for a percentage of what is already owed to you if they get you covered.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.