HEADS UP: Don't forget Andy Stephenson

[WilliamPitt]

We've passed the first of the month, which means a lot of you got paid. Which means a lot of you can afford to throw a few bucks towards Andy's hospital fund:

http://forum.truthout.org/blog/story/2005/2/24/84720/3496

Yes, I am going to do this on the first and 15th of every month until further notice.

Please help me keep this kicked.

[bettyellen]

1. and nominated for andy.......

[coffeenap]

2. kick

[Stephanie]

3. thanks Will

You're right about the first of the month -

I love this online fundraiser - especially as we are an online group of Andy's friends and supporters. Brave new world!

[MissB]

4. Kick again. (nt)

[Hugin]

5. Keep Andy...

... busy posting here at DU...

Meaningful work helps make people feel better.

:)

[elehhhhna]

6. done. kick.

[johnaries]

7. Kick for Andy and Will, my 2 favorite DU'ers...except maybe the KOEB!

nt

[LynneSin]

8. Ok, I tested this out and although it's not much I hope it goes...

...to the right person. Still not sure about this paypal stuff, but I'm trying!

[tom_paine]

9. Kick

:kick:

Lets' keep this very worthy thread for a very worthy gentleman KICKED DUers!

:kick:

[coffeenap]

10. kick

[disillusioned1]

11. I donated through Paypal once...

the person only got 83% of my donation and Paypal got the rest.

[WilliamPitt]

12. There is a PO box, too

[Pastiche423]

17. If you donate through a

credit card account w/PayPal, that is probably why.

My PayPal account is through my checking account, thus no fees are taken out. Andy gets the full amount I send him.

Credit cards = bad

[WilliamPitt]

13. .

[understandinglife]

14. Recommended for Andy (nt)

[greatauntoftriplets]

15. Thanks, Will.

Andy's post office box is:

Andy Stephenson
P.O. Box 25624
Seattle, WA 98165-1124

[blm]

16. kick

.

[Cleita]

18. Just a question.

Sorry, but since I became a widow, not only did I get chopped off $600 a month Social Security, but now I found out that an IRA account that was giving my husband $300 a month in interest can't be touched without penalty for two years because I'm not over seventy years old like he was, so I really am pinched financially right now and can't give anything but good wishes and advice. So here is the question and some advice.

Can Andy qualify for Medicaid? It would seem because he is out of work that he could. Even if he owns his own house he may qualify if his other liquid assets are less than $2,000. I believe there is an $836 deductible. He should talk to a social worker who specializes in these things. Most hospitals have one on duty. This could help him a lot with his medical expenses.

Also, when my husband became ill we were in the state of Washington and the social worker in the hospital advised me about some medical safety net plan that the state of Washington has for residents. Of course we were residents of Idaho at the time and were working in Washington, so we weren't eligible. I thought Andy was a resident of Washington. He should look into these things. It might give him some peace of mind.

[greatauntoftriplets]

19. He does qualify for Medicaid....

It is just starting up now. Thanks, Cleita.

[katinmn]

20. What's the latest word? Has Andy had surgery yet?

[Catherine Vincent]

22. Not today.

He posted on the Gannongate wrinkle board.

[katinmn]

25. Is that a DU thread?

[Catherine Vincent]

34. Yeah, we're on Part 4 now. It was started by Andy.

[greatauntoftriplets]

26. No, he hasn't had the surgery yet....

The surgeon wanted to run some more tests this week, but then the hospital cut him off of treatment until they get paid for what they've done so far....

He went to the DHHS office yesterday and is signed up for Medicaid. They gave him state coupons for treatment and will pay his bills going back three months (from what he told me). Today he is heading back to his primary-care physician who will hook him up with the surgeon yet again. A damnable situation. If I were in Seattle, asses would be getting kicked at that damn hospital.

[katinmn]

27. I know that kind of thing happens (getting cut off treatment) but it

is still hard to believe that happens in our dear country. Please keep us posted. If the denial of treatment continues, we may have to put our heads together and get more involved. The hospital, DHHS, and the Medicare people in Seattle probably haven't dealt with pissed off bleeding heart liberal bloggers before.

[greatauntoftriplets]

28. It's a shame that hospitals are run not by doctors....

but by the bean counters and CFOs. They care more about profits and not enough about healing in many cases. Not all, of course.

[EFerrari]

29. Even if he is qualified, Andy should always take

A Fair Witness (friend, stranger off the street, family dog) with him. The weasels will try as a matter of policy to deny or delay care, to get away with an unacceptable minimum. If Andy goes with a witness, it's much harder for them to get away with that & he will get better care.

[Andy_Stephenson]

58. I have a great Social worker.

She is advocating for me very hard. I am confident she will make sure i get the treatment I need.

[ohio_liberal]

33. Oh thank goodness

I never even thought about the possibility of medicaid. They've made it so difficult for males in my state over the age of 18 to get any medical care. I also know how critical it is for him to have the earliest possible diagnosis regarding tumors in the pancreas. I'm hoping for all the best for him. He certainly deserves it.

[SmokingJacket]

38. THEY CUT HIM OFF TREATMENT???

Sorry, but that blows my mind. What country is this again?? Do we not have like the richest people in the world? What the hell is happening??

Let's hope that the Medicaid system -- which was created in a saner time, and which, mark my words, is the next thing on the Bushco chopping block -- works for Andy.

Meanwhile, I'm sending more bucks his way.

[Stephanie]

40. Yes, they did

The hospital won't treat him until he pays his previous bill. It's a fucking outrage and I had no idea something like this could happen in this country. Medicaid will pick up his costs going forward but not his previous bills which included a hospital stay, tests, and an endoscopic procedure under general anesthesia. So he owes a lot. I still can't believe this can happen - sudden illness, no insurance, and you are toast. This is life under Bush.

[ohio_liberal]

50. Good grief

I totally missed this the first time I read it. I don't understand how he could be cut off treatment. Even the local hospitals here accept indigent patients as long as they fill out the necessary forms. This kind of stuff just should not happen, ever.

[greatauntoftriplets]

41. Isn't that unbelievable???

:evilfrown:

It looks like Medicaid will work for him.

[GardeningGal]

21. A comment on your IRA issue

Something doesn't sound right on this. I take your comment to mean that you're in your upper 60's? If so, you should be eligible to take money out of the IRA without penalty. Maybe there's some confusion with the over 70 aspect. That's when you're required to take an annual minimum distribution which is calculated using life expectancy, etc. But once you're over 59 and a half, you should be able to take money from the IRA without penalty.

I think you should double check with the person that told you this, it sounds like some miscommunication to me.

[Cleita]

23. Thanks for posting.

The IRA is tied up in a CD that comes due in 2007. My husband was able to take the interest as part of his over seventy distribution every month. They rolled over the IRA to me as a beneficiary, but said I can't take the interest because I don't need to take a distribution until after I am seventy and a half or something like that. I really do need it. I think I might go talk to the bank about this. It doesn't seem right to me either. Maybe I need to talk to their retirement advisor instead of the new accounts lady. In the meantime though, I am short of this money.

[GardeningGal]

24. Yes, talk to the retirement account person

There are so many regulations regarding IRA distributions that it can be confused rather easily.

[ohtransplant]

30. RE your IRA

Age 70-1/2 is the age you're REQUIRED to take distributions from an IRA. There could be penalties if you don't.

If you're over age 59-1/2, you can take distributions without an early distribution penalty.

So, if you're over 59-1/2 but below 70-1/2, you can take voluntary distributions but aren't required to.

For the most part the distribution are taxable.

Disclaimer: If the IRA is in CDs or some other time savings deposit, your bank/financial institution could impose penalties for early withdrawal.

Just my two cents...

[elehhhhna]

63. That's right. The banks BS'ing you.

[Cleita]

66. I got it cleared up today.

The new accounts girl got it all wrong. The investment guy got involved and I will get my money next month. Thanks everyone.

[elehhhhna]

69. EXCELLENT!

[s-cubed]

31. Will - thanks for staying on top of this.

I spoke with Andy a few days ago. He was feeling better after talking to the surgeon who wants to run the tests this week, but it's still a heavy trip. It's hell to have to fight for what should be your right when you are sick.

The point about taking someone with you is a good one. It's also a good idea when you go to doctors, since that person can take notes and help you rememer what the doctors said.

Keep it kicked for ANDY! :grouphug:

[Ladyhawk]

59. When you're sick, you shouldn't have to fight for care at all!

Unfuckingbelievable, but I've seen it before. :( When you're ill, you don't have the energy to fight for the care you should get automatically.

Sorry, Andy. But I'm glad you have a good advocate. :)

[greatauntoftriplets]

32. Kick for Andy...

:bounce:

[bobthedrummer]

35. Kick.

:dem::kick:

[greatauntoftriplets]

36. Another kick....

back to the front page.

[Stephanie]

37. .

[EFerrari]

39. Good call, Will. Kick for Andy

[donheld]

42. can i send through paypal with out his email address?

[greatauntoftriplets]

43. Use his post office box.

Andy Stephenson
P. O. Box 25624
Seattle, WA 98165-1124

And thanks....

[Stephanie]

44. Paypal and P.O. box info >

http://www.paypal.com

His Paypal account name is [e-mail].

Or PO box:

Andy Stephenson
P.O. Box 25624
Seattle, WA 98165-1124

[nonny]

45. The Rockettes are kicking for Andy

Kick - step - Kick - step
Higher Higher
You there nonny, you're on the wrong foot!
Argh.........
:grr:

[greatauntoftriplets]

46. After-dinner kick...

Thanks everyone for help, good wishes and prayers.

[EFerrari]

47. kick

[suffragette]

48. kickin' it up for Andy

:kick:

[VelmaD]

49. Thanks Will

*smooch*

And a big ol' :kick:

[nonny]

51. How is Andy today?

Kick and twirl

[AnotherMother4Peace]

52. The 1st & 15th are a good idea & you're a good friend

for doing this for Andy. He's in my prayers, and sending him positive thoughts, & a little cash.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

53. Kick - Greatauntoftriplets,

are you a great aunt of triplets, because I'm another mother for peace, & I think there's lot's of us.

[greatauntoftriplets]

54. Yes, I am a great aunt of triplets...

They are four and wonderful. I hope for a much better world for them.

Welcome to DU AnotheMother4Peace..and thank you.

On edit: Two boys named Christian and Jordan, and a girl named Alexandra.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

56. Thanks for the welcome

The more that we speak out, & support each other, & stand up for our wonderful country - the stronger our voice and message becomes - I'm optimistic for your little ones & my draft age boys.

[all.of.me]

55. kick

[mopinko]

57. du research question

i heard recently, i think on npr, that a lot of hospitals out there have explicit obligations to provide charity care, but many are not doing it. i think they were talking about non-profit hospitals, but i can't swear.
i don't know any more about that, but maybe someone here does. if this hospital is slacking, maybe their conscience could be pricked.
and above all andy- negotiate. all providers give the insurance companies huge discounts. tell them you want to pay the blue cross price. it'll be less than half of the bills they will send you. don't give them a dime until they give you a deal.
and take care sweetie. we are all rooting for you.

[Ladyhawk]

60. Incidentally, can someone direct me to info on Andy's current condition?

I've been asleep for a couple of days...herniated disc pain.

[WilliamPitt]

61. .

[greatauntoftriplets]

62. A early afternoon kick for Andy.

:bounce:

[greatauntoftriplets]

64. A Friday evening kick for Andy....

:bounce:

[AnotherMother4Peace]

65. Great aunt, do we know how Andy is doing tonight?

He continues to be in my prayers.

[greatauntoftriplets]

68. He is supposed to see the surgeon again on Monday....

The Medicaid is being activated so the damn hospital will treat him again. Social services in Seattle are being very good to him. But he still has a lot to go through.

Thanks for asking.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

67. Thanks, Will

The check is in the mail. :-)

Literally.

[satya]

70. If you sign up for Vonage, tell them Andy sent you (he gets 2 mos. free)

according to his post on another thread.

Anybody know of any other programs like this, where Andy can refer us and he gets something free?