Apr 27

Financial Burdens of Parkinson’s

A Yogi’s Journey With Parkinson’s – Volume 7

 

One of the first questions I hear after letting people know I have Parkinson’s is, “Do you have insurance?” The inquirer is often visually relieved when I say, “Yes” (like someone who just found their missing iPhone). I am happy they get that momentary relief. No one likes sharing or hearing bad news. But their relief just means they are only seeing a glimpse of the bigger financial picture…

 

I am VERY lucky to have decent insurance coverage (medical, disability and long term care). These coverages, for me alone (not including Anna’s insurance), come at a cost of roughly $1,200/month. That’s about the same as I expect to pay for medication and doctor consultations every month, which might sound like a fair trade-off. However, NONE OF MY MEDICATION OR DOCTOR CONSULTATIONS ARE COVERED BY INSURANCE (because I am choosing at “alternative” treatment protocol that just might work, as opposed to the FDA approved protocol that only addresses the symptoms and has consistently ended miserably).

This isn’t the place to launch into a rant about the disastrous state of insurance in the USA. But, don’t be surprised if it comes up in a later post…

In summary, if my health goes south, I have a temporary safety net (as long as we can afford the premiums and don’t exhaust the limited benefits). But, if my health stays strong, Anna and I could eventually go broke (after burning through our modest retirement savings). One of my doctors mentioned that a significant number of Parkinson’s patients have to quit the protocol I have chosen because of financial hardship. That’s why I swallowed my pride and opened a GoFundMe website to accept donations. I set my fundraising target at $50,000 to approximate the projected cost of my treatment and insurance over the next two years.

I don’t “expect” help from anyone. We all have our battles to fight and our causes to fund. But, if you are so motivated, I will not be so thick-headed as to reject your generosity.

Dana (“giving” or “generosity”) is a beautiful and vital part of both Buddhist and Hindu tradition. Your donation might be simple act of generosity or an appreciation of the value I hope to provide by continuing to live my life (in my unique way) and blog my experiences. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.

“It is not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived” – Helen Walton

If you are inspired, please visit 4 Ways You Can Help or simply DONATE

 

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on this site are my opinions. My words should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical expertise. This blog is designed to chronicle my journey, share what I learn in the process, and connect with others on a similar path.