Tassers and Sue Ann

Tassers and Sue Ann
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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Age Discrimination

You may want to skip this 'rant' if you aren't of a certain age, but I'm getting a little weary of being told, "We don't take Medicare patients", when looking for help on a potentially serious problem.  To explain the situation, I will be revealing personal information, but I choose to be up front with my condition.

I was diagnosed many years ago with recurrent severe depression and take medication that has to be prescribed by a psychiatrist.  Sometimes, the medication that works well for awhile, becomes ineffective and a different one will be needed.  That has happened once already for me, but now this second med seems to not be doing its job, either.  The psychiatrist I was going to dropped me as a patient 3 years ago when I turned 65, but I haven't needed one until now.  My husband called over 25 shrinks today and was always told they didn't take Medicare, plus they didn't have any suggestions as to who would.  Finally, he was successful after finding a place that essentially is a Mental Health/Mental Retardation agency for senior citizens.  Folks, what good is being on Medicare if doctors aren't going to treat people using it?  Fortunately, I had been a patient of my Primary Care Physician for eons before I was 65, and he has continued to see me.  But there are many who are not as lucky.  I went through the same ordeal several years ago when trying to find a therapist that took clients on Medicare.  Frankly, the health care system in this country is really depressing.            

4 comments:

  1. That is so sad Sue Ann.

    In a country that is aupposedly leading global development, the state of affairs is depressing and backward.

    Here in the Uk, people often moan about the state of the NHS - but at least we don't face half the problems of people needing care in the Us. Sure, you can buy your own insurance and be treated privately - but at least you don't need it just to be treated - drugs are still chargeable, but at a flat rate per perscription - but if you can't afford to pay, you don't have too.

    I hope Obama succeeds in changing things for the US.

    Sending you bear hugs x

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  2. Thanks much, Julia. I did succeed in getting an appointment with a geriatric psychiatrist, so things are looking up. Appreciate your comment.

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  3. I too think its very backward of such a forward thinking nation. Just around the corner from me there is a little centre that treats and helps people with depression and mental health problems, this is where the doctors refer people for extra help. All this is funded on the NHS, moan as we do these places are fantastic and available to everyone. On a lighter, brighter note, wow you look fantastic, for any age!

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  4. Hello, Amanda . . . it's been great to have you posting again on TT and your bears are soooooo cute! And thank you a gazillion times for that most generous compliment - you've made my day, week, month, etc. Super to hear from you.

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