Despite the curve balls hurled at me in life, I strive to stay positive. I hope this comes across in my writing. With each challenge I swing for the cheap seats, trying to practice mindfulness, thankfulness and gratefulness. I think of the old allegory about sitting down with nine other people; everyone lays their burdens on a table, then takes turns describing their woes. At the end of the meeting, you happily pick up your own problems, whistling and skipping away.
But sometimes, Saints on Suction Cups, it’s hard. Damned hard.
I spent 19 years of my life educating myself to become a lawyer. I spent the next 20 years being that lawyer. And dammit, I was good at it. Then one day, Crohn’s disease decided for me that my career was over. I could no longer be a litigator, conducting a killer cross-examination, then running out of the room mid-interrogation while a whole courtroom of people waited, barely making it to the restroom in time.
A huge piece of my identity fell by the wayside, but I wasn’t going to sit around and feel sorry for myself; I figured that in a motorhome, on a more limited income, I would have a bathroom with me always, and I could see the country.
Medical insurance is awfully important for someone like me, with a chronic, incurable disease that requires treatment every two months – therapy with a price tag of upwards of $15,000 per visit. And what if I don’t get that treatment? Without the infusion, I would be in the worst kind of flare, unable to leave my home, chained to a toilet, exponentially increasing the chances of bowel adhesions, resections (surgeries) and colon cancer with each event.
I am 49 years old. I am not yet Medicare or Social Security eligible. For the first 18 months after I quit working, I paid for medical insurance through COBRA, extending the plan available through my law firm. Then I chose a plan under the Affordable Care Act, known by some as “Obamacare.” At a cost of over $700 a month, I obtained a plan in the state of Washington which covers me throughout the country. That comes in handy when I’m not in Seattle and need an infusion. To date, I have been able to get my infusions with the help of visiting nurses and infusion centers around the country, although that process has also had its challenges!
What has gotten me so worked up, you might be wondering. In the latest mail was a letter from my ACA insurer, informing me they are pulling out of the health insurance market in Washington, effective January 1. At the time I purchased my plan, they were the only insurer offering nationwide coverage.
Sure, Washington may woo them to change their minds. Another insurer may step up to bridge the gap. Or, politicians I’ve never met, and certainly wouldn’t want to, may decide my fate, and the cost of insurance for someone at my age with a pre-existing condition may be so high that I will have no choice but to be uninsured. The most difficult and agonizing part of this for me, the Type A planner, organizer, arranger, and go-getter, is I have absolutely zero control over what happens next.
As the Beatles penned, “I think I’m gonna be sad. I think it’s today.” I’m going to be in the dumps about this for a little while, and then I’ll pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.
This Post Has 12 Comments
Tammy, my gosh, I’m sorry. That completely and utterly sucks! I’ve heard there are only a few states that have the nation-wide plan. One option might be to establish a domicile elsewhere. Florida, as I understand it, has a nation-wide plan and lots of RVers domicile there. I’ll keep positive thoughts for you. It’s insane that options for those with chronic conditions aren’t better. And, I fear, it’s only going to get worse. I hope this won’t keep you from continuing on your RV journey.
Thanks, Debbie. Changing domiciles is always an option, but like Scarlett, I’ll worry about that tomorrow!
Hi Tammy – I’m so very sorry to hear all this. I can certainly empathize but I consider myself lucky because I’m Canadian and have received the best of our care at a teeny tiny cost. Not many people truly understand what you are going thru, it’s not the trips to the loo all the time it’s the fact that you feel sick and it affects your whole life. I have a friend and he was so lucky that they finally discovered imuran to help him. He lives a normal life now but he says it’s only because of that drug. I enjoy your blog posts and your travels and aspire to do the same one day but I still can’t get over the fact that I’m alone and I can’t get over that hurdle to do it that way. Sending you well wishes and positive thoughts for complete and unconditional healing one day. Love and light in healing, Susan
Tammy it is a shame in such a wealthy country so many people are in your situation getting thanks but no thanks for your business letters that have such a major impact on their lives. I have a relative in a similar situation and for the last three years she has gotten the same run around. She did not live a life that would cause the condition, worked hard was good at her job, but had to take early retirement and now lives in fear she won’t be able to afford her treatments. This darn system has to be fixed..so now how? Perhaps one of us can see the way…..hugs to you…enjoy tomorrow and come out swinging!..hugs…Jane
Tammy-please don’t give up!! Think positive & that energy & the energy the rest of us are sending will bring you to the right place!
I had the same dream as you are living-had back surgery which failed & now have peripheral neuropathy in both legs but pushed to get full orthotics so I have balance & have hand controls for my car! Only someone with a chronic condition can understand what we go through daily. We are the winners & we will always find a way! Much love & lots of great energy.
So sorry. Our political system is so broken, and the insurance industry is taking advantage of the environment and uncertainty and it must be stopped. I hope you find a solution when you are ready to tackle that next step.
I don’t see any positive improvements to our Health care system in the near future, having said that, like Debbie changing your residence to another state seems like the next best option. California might also be an option. You could use your family’s address or even mine as your new residence. There has to be an option out there somewhere! Damn Politicians!! They need to get their head out of their ass. They are playing games with the lives of the people they have sworn to protect.
Take care XXOO
My husband and I are also from Seattle, too young for Medicare and fulltiming. So we’re in the same boat, except we got that letter last year. So for 2017, we had to make some decisions, and for us, that was “moving” to Florida.
In any case, looks like we will be very close to you in New Hampshire in a couple of weeks (week of July 25th) and we’d love to meet up and commiserate over a cocktail or two. Shoot us an email if you expect to have some free time!
Bless your heart ❤️. Been there. But I remain optimistic. It’s the only sane thing to do.
Lots of love flying your way!
XO
Hi Tammy. I hope things work out for you. It seems our country is facing financial disaster that will impact us all. I have no answers, but do hope you enjoy everyday.
Camping World Mike
I hate that you are impacted by this mess. I am thankful you are putting your story out there so others can see that “average” tax paying citizens are impacted by decisions made in Washington DC. In some aspects you are still fighting and defending, it’s just not in a courtroom. God Speed!
sending love-keep truck’n woman!!!!!