COVID has come.

[OldBaldy1701E]

Now, after five years of managing to avoid getting it, my husband now has it. But, he cannot go see a doctor about it because he has no insurance. We cannot afford to say the word doctor, much less go to one. He got me insurance only because my age and issues got me a reduction. We still cannot afford to do this, but with my many health issues, he was insistent that I have it. Now this.

I am scared. I cannot do anything about this. I cannot even save my own life why do I hope to think I can do something about what is going on with his?

So far, 2024 has been a complete bust, and it is not even over yet.

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Covid is a hurdle for sure

Has he had vaccinations?

[FarPoint]

2. Well...he may indeed need to go to a doctor...

set up payment plan or borrow the money....If he is in the 5 day window of contracting covid...he can get plaxlovid to slow it down....

So sorry to hear this...(((HUG)))

[OldBaldy1701E]

4. Unless the payment plan is zero, we cannot do it.

There is no 'borrowing'. There is no 'magic aid'. There is nothing we can do except appeal to humanity.

Which means we are royally screwed.

(Quick clarification. I am aware that, in the past few decades, the definition of 'broke' has changed. When I say we cannot do this, it is not the modern 'broke', where one is down to their last $10,000. I mean the traditional definition, which says I don't have three pennies to rub together. I guess the disparity in our society has allowed for a two different realities when it comes to finances. However, we are in the 'can't get a break' version, and I am getting so tired of fighting the inevitable.)

[synni]

11. Contact your local churches

They can sometimes help. Also, call local hospitals, as I've gotten free healthcare from them before I got on disability. Call your state's department of health and human services.

Help IS out there, you just have to search hard to find it. Good luck!

[OldBaldy1701E]

13. Thanks.

I have not tried just contacting the hospital that I usually go to. (Amazing, that I can say 'that I usually go to'. Not to mention sad.)

The county and the state have very large websites. They just don't have the means to get things done. You have to go to their location. Which is somewhere in bumf**k east St. Paul, practically in Wisconsin. (I exaggerate but you get the idea.) Plus, I either have COVID myself or I am certainly carrying it. My past 'successes' with county mental health services has not been very good, and I am reluctant to keep pushing up against a wall that was placed there specifically to block any real action. (At least that has been my experiences with four different states. Another's experiences may vary.)

I don't believe that a church would be a good idea for either of us.

Thank you for the well wishes.

[OldBaldy1701E]

3. As far as I know, we have all but the last one.

Or, we may be up to date. I am not sure if there was another round after our last one.

I am literally about to puke from nerves and my usual GI issues. I am useless and unable to do anything. I cannot even adequately take care of him. I cannot be around him because I am trying to not get it. He is the only person I have left in the world.

[bucolic_frolic]

5. Vaccinations are some check on the severity of the disease

I believe i've had it twice this summer, and it was unpleasant, quite the repetitive head cold congestion really, but after 10-12 days I was recovering well. Maybe some other DUers will chime in with some support line ideas for the uninsured. Perhaps your county department of health. Use the google.

[femmedem]

6. Please start a GoFundMe for an appointment at a walk-in clinic today.

I'll donate. Maybe you can call first to get an idea of what it will cost. Go today if you can; the faster he can take Paxlovid, the more effective it will be.

[Sedona]

7. Call tour pharmacy or go to urgent care

Get him on Paxlovid asap.

It should be low cost.

Walgreens has a plan

https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/paxlovid

[OldBaldy1701E]

14. I am going to look into that. Thanks.

[Freddie]

8. Paxlovid is still free

Can you set up a televisit and pay later? That’s all I needed to get the prescription called in.

[Freddie]

9. You can do a televisit on Good Rx for $49

They’ll send the prescription to your pharmacy. Paxlovid is still free (I’m pretty sure, it was in June).

[femmedem]

10. Yes! OldBaldy, please do this. I realize you don't have $49 but I'm sure DU would help you.

If you start a GoFundMe, please message me so I don't miss it.

[OldBaldy1701E]

12. I will look into that.

I appreciate the suggestion.

[XanaDUer2]

15. Please start a GFM

do not fuck around with this. Someone's life could be in danger. Paxlovid should still be free. We got it for Mr X about 2 yrs ago after a telehealth visit. Put the GFM in the Lounge. Keep kicking it.

[OldBaldy1701E]

16. So, a quick update.

I had managed to avoid actually having it until yesterday. Now, I am dealing with a head cold, at least that is what it seems to be like. My husband's fever broke on Friday and he is doing much better. He went into work today. I am not happy about this, but what else can we do? At least his work happens mostly alone after the location closes. He also has a mask and uses gloves all the time. Of course, the location could care less about his sickness as long as he can do the work.

I want to thank you all for putting up with my whining and panicked state. Things are so screwed up around here that having both of us come down with this shit has been overwhelming. Plus, now I am pretty much sidelined and this is a big townhouse when only one person does anything about it.

I wish I was... well, no matter. Wishing is what children do.

[OldBaldy1701E]

17. Yet another update, this one about Paxloviod.

I just got off the phone with a nurse from the doctor's office. And, it seems there has been some changes in the price of Paxlovid. Like, changes that will insure many more than just myself cannot even consider using it.

I was informed that this stuff has been raised significantly due to major side effects. Now, a dose can run anywhere from $1400 to $8000. My cheap-ass insurance probably won't cover it. I am going to check with them later on.

My, ain't unfettered capitalism great?