finances

[anonymous]

I was wondering what some of you do to cover costs related to CF. Between medications, equipment, and clinic visits, things are SO expensive. Changing insurances isn't really an option right now. Are there any stay at home moms out there that contribute to their household income by doing things at home? I need some ideas and working outside the home isn't an option. I just wanted some thoughts and ideas on what works for all of you.

Thank you!

 

[julie]

Not really a job, but have you looked into any in home support options in your state, or even community? I can help you research this if you wanted to share what state you live in. For example, in CA my husband qualified for 80 hours of "assistance" a month and we could hire someone or they could pay me. They paid me and that was our bit of extra income, it REALLY helped out! Just a suggestion to look into. Here in WA they don't pay spouses anymore, but I believe they still might pay parents. Great idea though!

 

[anonymous]

I've thought about this as well. I stay at home with my 3 year old with CF and my 7 year old without(He's in school). We just don't have ANY extra money. When my daughter is doing well, I think I could work then I worry what if she gets sick or if I brought something home from work(germs) I was a registered nurse before I had my daughter so i worry could I bring home TB or some nasty bacteria.

We tend not to spend $ on ourselves(my husband and I ). last year, our medical expenses were very high and we spent quite a bit of our savings. Even little things add up like eating cafeteris food at the hospital , hospital parking, telephone calls from the hospital etc.

Now, we are trying to budget better. I wish we could see an accountant but I dont' know if we have enough $ for it to be worth it. We do get help(alot) from our family. This has been a difficult thing for me and my husband to accept. Our insurance isn't bad, except the co-pays are ALOT. we now qualify for a program to help with the cost of the co-pays.

As far as making a little $ from home, is there a skill you have like knitting, sewing you could do? I've even thought of babysitting , although it may need to be done from home and the child your sitting could bring in germs(if you're worried about that) i wish there was something I could do from home too, that perhaps has something to do with nursing(as this is all i've ever done)

I know I haven'tgiven much help except I can relate to feeling monetarily strapped and I'm not sure what to do.

Rebecca

 

[Allie]

There's a ton of things you can run out of the home. Once Ahava was born, we decided not to have Ry work. So he moved his work home, basically, He repaired computers and set up networks, troubleshot, stuff like that. thoughts off the top of my head for at home work

* Avon, mary kay, etc
* You can take a short at home medical transcription course and then do that from home
* As someone mentioned above, any talents you have sewing, computer work, cooking maybe....
* babysitting, as someone mentioned.

Or, your husband could work day shift and you could work night shift.

Just some thoughts.

 

[anonymous]

Thanks so much for all of your replies so far. Keep those ideas comin'! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I've gotta run but I'll sign on again soon. More later,

 

[anonymous]

If anyone knows of a way to get assitance in paying for a new vest I would love to know about it! I have the old school one (150 pounder or whatever) and I travel a lot...so it is not an option to lug that thing around. I have insurance, but even the part I am responsible for is too much for me to afford. Frustrating to travel and not be able to do treatments...usually takes a while to catch back up too!
Thanks,
Ben

 

[cdale613]

Hi Anon, depending on what state you live in, you qualify for several types of state assistance. Even if you don't meet the basic guidelines for Medicaid/ Medicare, your state may have a "Children with Special Health Needs" program, which could help provide direct medical services, and/or help with medical bills. I would recommend talking to a social worker at your CF Center to find out what options you have.

I hope this helps.

Ben - If I were you, I'd try talking to Hilrom (the vest maker) to see if they'd be willing to help you out - my understanding is that they have some pretty flexible options if your insurance company isn't willing to cover vest #2. Also, if your insurance will only cover another vest due to breakage, well "accidents" happen all the time! J/K!

Chris

25 w/CF