No disability for you, young lady

This morning I woke up to a text from a friend asking to talk to me about getting disability insurance.   Sad that I am at that point, but my doctor said that he would support whatever I decide.  

Made the application and called a disability lawyer.  It is very simple. Because I did not earn a salary in 2019, I am not eligible for any disability.  Don't bother applying, I was told.  No matter how sick you are, you will not receive anything from Social Security disability unless you have worked every year for the last five years and contributed to social security.  If I work in 2024 I will be eligible to apply at the end of that year.   I still probably won't be eligible for early Medicare. We will see. 

No one needs me to tell them that the health insurance system is broken in this country.  Profit before everything.  Cancer hospitals do not accept ADA (Obamacare) plans in network because the cancer hospitals know that people will find a way to pay them somehow if their life depends on it, and yes, our lives depend on it.  

These hospitals have enormous endowments.  They will not accept your insurance if you get it from an exchange.  But you can foot a $20k deductible if you want to go out of network.  That is after the $30k per annum premium expense.

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Two years ago this morning I found out that the pain in my back was due to a vertebra that was cracked by a Myeloma tumor.  The nightmare that changed my life forever began.   At this two year mark I am able to find joy and beauty each day, no question. I could before but it felt less urgent, to take everything in, experience it, process it, be grateful for it.  

Each minute is precious.  Each day without headaches or eye pain or back pain or nausea is precious.  Health is a gift to treasure with good food and peace and exercise and sleep.   Friends, family, love, communication are what make it all worthwhile. 

I'm out of inspiration but thank you to my children, friends, family (cousins!) who have supported me.  You have made even the trickiest of days feel warm and colorful. 

Enjoy today. 

PS - August 2025 - it is not, or no longer possible, for someone below the age of 65 to get medicare, even if they are on SS disability.  

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