I recently became aware of the MA-EPD because of a letter that I had written to Senator Dayton. I was addressing the difficulties that I had experienced with social security disability. I was so impressed with him, unlike Senator Coleman or the White House; he showed interest in my situation. He had one of his workers contact me to provide me with information that would possibly alleviate some of my difficulties. One of the things they shared with me was this program. It did enable me to cancel the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance that I had carried, saving me $120.00 a month. It was also provided prescription drug coverage.

When I applied I received information from the State that included the UCare program. I was thrilled, since two of the prescriptions I take are compounded, and now they would be covered. They aren’t covered on MA. I would also be able to see a dentist in my area that accepts UCare, but not MA. Only after months of going back and forth on this with my county, I have learned that the information was sent by mistake. I live in Goodhue County, not in the 7 county metro areas. I live 15 miles from the boarder of Dakota County, but it doesn’t matter. I am ineligible. I can’t receive the benefits that someone else living 16 miles away would receive, however I still have to pay the same premium.

I have recently sent a letter to my representative, but I think it is important to get the word out about the difficulties that disabled workers face. One door opens and we get the feeling things may look up for us. Then we learn that we aren’t that all that lucky after all. We don’t live in the right place. I am sorry, but that seems like discrimination to me. Just because we are in a low-income status shouldn’t mean we do not deserve choices in our health care or well being. It definitely shouldn’t mean we can be discriminated against because of where we live. Especially when that discrimination results in more difficulties for one that already faces more their fair share of difficulties in life.