We are a family of 3 living on $22K (SSDI) with 2 disabled adults.
We are just over the limit for several programs and have learned to survive by being extremely frugal. The only programs we get are heat assistance ($425/yr.), lower electric bills (lower rate), and help on property taxes.
We buy all clothing and most of everything else except food at tag sales. We use Freecycle and buy in bulk. Shop sales, etc. for food. Do any work needed on cars and house ourselves, if we can.
We did not have health ins. for 5 years. Mass. finally got the Commonwealth Health going and we have health ins. as of March 1 this year.
So there are a lot of things you could do, in other areas, to help make the medical part less difficult. Check out:
http://www.freecycle.org
call your utility company, ask the phone company about bundling services for a discount, read the Tightwad Gazette books by Amy Dacyczyn, check out:
http://www.simpleliving.net/main/
for more frugality tips.
As far as the medical part, it seems to me you have gone as far as you can to get help there. I've not had to pursue this line so I haven't much to offer. Maybe others will.
Good luck.
Pam R.
