If you have a question to ask either of myself or our groups co-host, here is the place to ask your question and we will respond as soon as we can.  If you would rather keep your question private, feel free to email us to ask, otherwise all questions asked of us here, our answers will be posted here.

Thanks you.

Michael B.

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I'm rather confused, Michael. I got a message from this group that my previous post was deleted. I see it follows yours in the list. If it was deleted, I'd appreciate knowing why. Did I curse? No. Did I insult you in some way. I fervently hope not. I'm no trouble-making troll. I'm a decent person. I'm here just to make friends, like others here.

If I wasn't the intended recipient for the deletion notice, that's cool. Mistakes happen. Please tell me what's going on here. If I'm not welcome here, I will leave. I won't stay where I'm not wanted.

Tom

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Tom:

I do see that your postings is still here in this thread and it has not been deleted.  But here is what I think may have happened.

On Thursday, October 20, 2005, Care2 is making some big improvements to the Net Messaging Service, and to the groups.  And while they are slowly putting everything into place for everything to roll out smoothly on Thursday some people may have received a message telling them that a posting had been deleted from the group when in fact no message was deleted.  Its just a glitch in the system as they are preparing to roll out the improvements.

I want everyone to please rest assured, that at any time either myself as the group owner of this group, or our group co-host Nanette were to delete any of your postings from the group, you will not only get the message from care2 that your posting was deleted, but you will also get a message from one of us informing you why the post was deleted.   Even as I do some clean up on the site every now and then, if I were to copy and paste one of your postings into another folder thread where it would be better in, I will still send you a message telling you that even though you got the message that your posting was deleted, that it is still on the group, but was just moved into another topic folder before the orginal one was deleted.  Just rest assured that we will not delete your posting without sending your either a Net Message or Email to let you know why the posting was deleted so that you will always know when and why a message was deleted.  For I truely feel that if anyone should have one of their postings deleted in any group, I think the member deserves the right to know why.  And because I believe that way, I will always make sure that you are told why a posting is deleted.

If I can be of any other help. Please post a message in the Suggestion Folder thread for any Suggestions or comments about the group.

As an advance notice for everyone.  In a few days from now, I am going to copy and paste all these non introduction postings into the suggestions folder topic or make some other type better topic for them to put them in and then will be deleting those orginal postings from the group, but I will still send you a NM or email right afterwards just incase you forget I was doing this so you will also know where it was moved to.

Michael B.

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Ok. All is well. I now  understand what happened. Thanks for the clarifixation.

Can't post more now. Have a meeting to attend tonite.

Tom

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Hi, y'all!

You're gonna give me a complex with this deletion.  I'm glad both Nanette and Michael explained the deletion/reposting process. I host a Yahoo.com group. There is very little deleting by me since we don't have the folder options you have here. I think it's so time consuming transferring posts from folder to folder. Just wondering why it's done that way. Is there a post limit to each folder, or is it just habit?

I also post on Yahoo's message boards. Very little post deletions transpire there.

I'm a bit tired, and seem to be rambling a bit. So, I'll stop and bid you all a good night.

Tom  

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Tom:

What I am trying to do with the group is to keep each folder more to what the topic of the folder is all about.  So when we do get a little off track of the topic of this folder, I like to move the postings to a folder where they would fit better or to make a new folder so that when other members come to the group, they can find what it is that they are looking for a lot easier and not have to search through folders trying to find information they are looking for.  I do apoligies that this has happened with a lot of your postings here, but at least I did notify you of this fact that I moved your postings over here and not deleted them entirely.  Other groups on Care2 seem to just delete the posting and not say a word to the person about why, and I feel that is so wrong.  If you take the time to write a posting on our group, and I have to move it to another folder or delete it because of other reasons, you will always be notified by myself or my co-host reason why, and like in this case, when it is moved to another folder, we will let you know what folder it was moved into.   This is for all members, not just yourself.

Once again I do apoligies for this.  But that is all I am doing is to try and help keep all the topic folders on topic and make it easier for all members to find things in which they may come to the group to look for.

I also am always open for suggestions from everyone on how you would like to see things done on the group, for this is every members group, not mine or my co-host.  Its your group.  So let us know any suggestions you have by posting all suggestions and comments about this group in the Suggestions Folder.

Michael B.

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Moving posts can often avoid confusion.  Seeing how much confusion the average disabled person has to put up with dealing with governmental rules on things like assisted housing and Medicare/Medicaid, I'm all for limiting the confusion here.

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I will cease my ramblings about post deletions. I had not intended to monopolize any discussions, nor did I intend to cast aspersions on anything with our group, or our fine administrators. They are both doing a fine job here. I can prattle on too much voicing my opinions. I'll drop this matter now. If I did offend either Michael, or Nanette, my humble apologies.

Tom

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hi,

i found this on the web, perhaps it will be of help to you:

http://www.silverts.com/products/Index.cfm?fuseaction=ProductList&gender=unisex&classificationid=1&r=gdev_stro

they offer clothing and items that would be helpful to disabled and eldery people.

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this is a link to many other resources that may be of help to you.

http://www.silverts.com/Links/Index.cfm

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Dennis:

I am sorry that the background on the group was causing you this problem of being able to read the topics folder names.  I had just changed the background for the Holiday Season but can change it to another one so that it will have the same color background as the regular background I use on the group.  I want everyone to be happy here and to not cause any problems for anyone to be able to use the group when they need to.  If you have any other further problems, please let me know and I will see what I can do to help you out.

Michael B.

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I tried the other Christmas theme backgrounds they had and they all do the same, so I just put the regular background with the angel back up so to make it easier for those who have problems with reading the folder names with the darker backgrounds.

Michael B.

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Even before I had cataracts, I've had very similar problems with colors. Under "Internet Options, I go to Accessilities, and check the box next to "ignore specified colors on web sites." You'll find Internet Options in the Tools drop down menu, if you use Internet Explorer. I hope this helps.

Tom

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Dennis:

Your welcomed, and glad that you are once again able to view all the links again without a problem.  I really do appreciate you bringing this problem to my attention.

Michael B.

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Hello,

First off, I am new here. 

Anyhow, I was born deaf in my left ear and partly in my right ear, then when I was 18 and delivered my daughter it ruptured a disc. Major pain. We tried to aplly for disability then, but was told 2 things, 1) I wasn't " Deaf Enough " and I didn't have work credits. I have had to deal with this terrible pain for many a year now. I am now 35. I have severe osteoporosis now, sufferef a broken hip and many more medical problems. But since I have not been able to work I still do not have work credits. They still keep denying me based on that, is there anything else I can do. I have even had a doctor send them info saying that I was disabled and unable to work due to my medical conditions.

If you have any help, please that would be so appreciated.

Thanks

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Please, everyone, increase your font size to at least size 3.  Some of us really have difficulty with size 2, which is the default.  Thanks.

Alaskanborn A., I assume you are in the US.  You need to apply for SSI, not SSDI.  Both are Social Security programs.  SSDI is for those with enough work credits.  SSI is for everyone who is too disabled to work.  If you qualify for Medicaid, apply for that BEFORE you apply for SSI.  If you're not sure, apply anyway.  They can only say no.  If you apply for SSI first, you get into another whole tangled web of a fight with Medicaid.  SSI doesn't pay very much, but it's better than nothing, and can get you Medicare and sometimes Medicaid.  Be aware that it takes years to get accepted and you will be denied at least once and probably twice before you are approved.

Take your time with the application.  Make sure it is complete.  Put all of your application materials in a three-ring binder with dividers for sections such as Medical Records (it costs to have doctors make the copies for you, but if you have SS request the copies it takes a lot longer and you have to go check their files to make sure they actually recieved the copies), Social Security Forms, etc.  Pay an M.D. if you have a good one to write a one- or two-page summary of your medical conditions.  Put that on top of the whole thing.  Then be prepared to be denied anyway.

After you get your denial letter, request a reconsideration.  This is when you get a lawyer.  Fill out the forms and supply anything they asked for.  Go see what they have in their file (you have a right to see your SS file) or send your lawyer to do it and make sure they actually got copies of anything they were supposed to request.  Chances are you'll get denied again.

Then you request a hearing.  When you finally get a hearing date, make sure you have someone to represent you.  The presumption is that if you can represent yourself you can work.  It's best if you have someone who has some experience with hearings, because they know what kind of questions will be asked and how they're likely to try to trip you up.

The short version is... make sure you're applying for the right program.  Once you apply, be prepared to be in it for the long haul.  It may take three years or more, and you have about a 90% chance of being denied at least twice in the process unless you have cancer or something.  If you just fold up your tent and go away, you lose.  It's a fight, all the way.  Are you prepared to fight?

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

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Alaskanborn:

Please check out the Social Security Disablity and SSI folder thread for more information in which might help you out further.

But what Rachel has stated, if you do not have enough work credits in, then you can not get SSDI now or in the future unless you go back to work and gain enough work credits.  But you can get SSI, as that does not go by work credits.  And if you have no income at all, you can collect up to $603 a month, and if your state puts in any money, then you would get a few more dollars than that from the state.  Once you get SSI, you automatically get Medicaid.  You will not get Medicare, because as with SSDI, in order to get Medicare, you have to have the same amount of work credits paid into the system to get it, so you are not eligible for Medicare at this time either.  But Medicaid once you are approved for SSI.  Hopefully since you have already been through this with SSDI, you might be able to get lucky enough to be approved on the second time around, but do expect that you may have to go to the third step which is the adminastative law judge hearing, and if you have a lawyer who specializes in Social Security, you are bound to win at that level.

For more information, do check out the folder thread on Social Security Disability and SSI.

Michael B.

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Hi, thanks for the help. Yes, I am in South Carolina. I had no idea there was a difference, nor did my husband. I will definately try the ssi route and see if I can get anywhere there. I printed out Rachel's response so I can reference it later as I go. I do wonder though..would it possibly be easier to get approved once my husband is active duty army again?

Thanks Karen

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Karen:

This might be a problem, because with SSI, they do not worry about your work credits you have paid into the system, but they do count the total income that comes into the household by you and your spouse.  So if your husband is already making more then $603 a month, then you most likely will not be approved for SSI either.  This is one thing that we are trying to get our government to change, but at this time, when you are married, with SSI, the spouses income counts against you.   It will not hurt to try and see what happen, but if you do get denied, it might be on that reason, your husbands income might be to much.

Michael B.

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Thank You for your help.

ok, guess I'll see about that. I know my husband makes alot more than that. but I don't see why they don't at least give you some sort of disability, such as maybe just the handicapped sticker or sign for your mirror. even that would help some. I hate walking with my cane from the back of the walmart parking lot.

Karen

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Karen:

You should be able to go down to your local State Secretaries office, or where every you go to get plates for cars, and they can give you the application to fill out to get the disabled plaque for to hang in the window of any car you are in, and if you want them, disabled plates for your car.  All you have to do is fill out that form and take it to your doctor and have him sign it, then return it to them and you should have no problem getting these so that you can then park legally in the handicap parking spots.  You do not have to be on SSDI or SSI in order to get these.  Just need to have a doctor signuature saying you can't walk as good as others can and need the closer parking spots.  Income has nothing to do with this program.  And depending on your disability, in some states if they can tell just by looking at you that you are disabled, they can override needing that statement from the doctor and just have you fill out the form.  If you want the handicap plate for the car, they also can not charge you a extra fee for the plate, the fee is the same as if you were paying for a regular plate.  And you can have both the plate and a thing that hangs from your mirror, so that you can have others that you are with in their cars to park in the handicap parking when you are with them.  You just have to make sure that other people, such as your husband or anyone else do not use that and park in handicap parking when you are not with them.  This also goes with having the plate on the car, they still can not park in handicap parking with the handicap plate on the car unless you are with them.

Michael B.

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Rachel:

You sure have that right, for that would be a crime I think if they were to make the system simple for everyone to totally understand it.  Heaven forbid if we ever live long enough to totally get it figured out, because once they know we have it all figured out, they go and change the rules so we are back and square one.

Just like now, they made this change and added Medicare Part D, and now no one understands it completely, not even the folks who made up the program can figure it totally out.   Just so glad that we have some people here who do know some of the system and can help those who are trying to get benefits and give them advice on what to expect and how to win their benefits.

Michael B.

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Michael,

Thank you , yet again. lol I am so new at this whole thing. Sometimes I do feel like an idiot.I had no idea that I could get one that way. I always thougt you had to actually be on disability to have them. I will definately do that. If all else fails, take the small road first. 

Karen

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Karen:

Your very welcome.  Do not feel like a idiot at any time.  This is how we learn about these programs that are available to us, by asking questions, and those of us who know the answers will give them to you.

As with me, if someone were to ask me a question, if I didn't know the answer, I would try and find the answer for you and let you know, but having this size of a group, generally you will find someone who does know the answer.

Take care and I hope you can get your placecard for your car with no problems.

Michael B.

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Michael and company keeping things humming here. It's been a few months since my last post here. Back then, my cataracts weren't as bad as they are now. (This is why I've not posted here). I hope to have one eye taken care of this Wednesday (4/26). I couldn't afford the prescription eye drops ($167) needed prior to the operation. I hope this doesn't cause yet another delay. (The first one was an HMO glitch- that was resolved). Guess with all my rambling, I'm asking for your prayers for my dilemma.

I'll be in touch.

Tom  

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Tom, I will keep you in my prayers.  Have you tried the prescription drug programs for your meds that your HMO will not cove?Sometimes you can get them for as low as $9.00 up to $25 and sometimes free. You can also call the drug companies and see if they offer the meds you need for free or discounted price. Do I make any sense? It's 2:30 am - just woke up so brain is still fogged. Good luck with your surgery on the 26th.

Take care, Candice B.

There was a toll-free number to call with regards to prescribed meds. Saw it on TV for a time. I don't recall any details.

Thanks for the prayers.

Tom

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Tom:

Glad to hear you are getting your cataract taken care of.  I had mine done last month and I am so glad I finally got Medicaid to pay for it since it made a huge difference.

The medication eye drops they give you before the surgery and for a short time afterwards is a antibodic for the eye, and is to help from getting any infection in your eye from the surgery.  Its a very small chance, so most likely they would not tell you they can't do the surgery if you didn't use the medication.  You might also call your local United Way Agency, as they can tell you of organization in your area that might help pay for this prescription for you.  I know mine, I didn't have any prescriptions left on my Medicaid for that month, since Medicaid will only pay for 3 per month, so I had to pay for it and it cost me $82 at the phramacy at my local Target.  I had called around and even at my regular phramacy and Target had it for the cheapest price.  You only need the one small bottle for both eyes.  You only use 1/2 the bottle per eye.  So you will not have to get this refilled before you have the other eye done.  I would get it filled if at all possible, and hope you can find a organization in your area that will help you pay for this.

Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope you have just as a good turn out as I did after this surgery.

Good Luck

Michael B.

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Thanks for the input regarding the eye drops. I called the dr's office yesterday, and after I mentioned that my insurance wouldn't cover the cost, I was offered free samples which solved that peoblem. My instructions is one drop each per day. I was told of the low risk of infection.

Gotta rise super early in the AM, so I'm gonna try cat-napping in my wheelchair. Not my preference, but the process of putting me to bed normally takes a few hours. I'll sleep better in bed the following night.

Not sure If I'll be doing much with the 'puter tomorrow, but I'll let you know how it went soon afterwards.

After this, I'll try to post a bit more than I have since I joined up.

Have a great Wsdnesday, ppl.

Tom

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Tom:

I am sure you will do just fine.  You may be tired when you get home for sure, so we don't expect you to write to us for a day or so afterwards anyways.  So glad the doctor was able to give you samples of the drops.  He/she is right, that they chance of infection is very low, but they try to be better safe then sorry in the end results.

Take care and God bless, and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Michael B.

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Tom, glad the first surgery went well for you.  The second one should be even more easier for you, especailly now that you know what its like having it done.  I hope that your vision improves greatly for you and look forward to seeing you being able to take more part in the groups here on Care2.

Take care my friend and God bless you.

Michael B.

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Mira:

Thank you for your suggestion and your question.  As far as the SSI issues, I do try and either move or copy post from a folder to another folder where it is more approirate.  The only time I usually don't do it for just one members post is when that same question or something had already been asked and addressed in the other folder, so if they posted anything else that would be fine for this folder, I leave it here too.

Now as to adding the emicons to your posting.  The way you do that is if you know the name of the icon you want to use, just type out the name of the icon but put the * in front of it and a * at the end of it with no spaces in between.  If your not sure of the exact name for the icon you want to use, click on the smiling face on the right side of the listing where you type your post, and look it up.  So at the end of all my postings you see the care2 frog before and after my name.  To get that to be there I have to type in care2frog, but I put in the * before it and after it without spaces. 

If you need any other help, just let me know.  I will be glad to help when and where I can.   And no, you are not stupid.  To me, you would only be stupid if you wanted to know the answer to this question, but never asked it.  For this is how we learn new things, by asking how it is done.

Michael B.

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Thank you, Michael.  I understand why keeping some of the SSI/SSDI posts here would be helpful too.  Anywhere someone can find the answers is helpful.

Been there, wish I didn't have to do that, but survived it and won it.

Yeah, I know I'm not stupid, need to stop saying that.  I'm not stupid but have done stupid things.  Guess that makes me human.

aha!!  I got it!!!  thank you!!!!

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Hey Michael

I hope you and everyone is all well!

Where do I go to find out how much I will be receiving monthly once I receive my SSI. I live in NC.?

Also, isn't it good to get a letter from a Senator backing you, I just got one from Senator Richard Burr?

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