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
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.