Joseph’s words to me during our interview were, “Life has been a struggle, a lot of people would have run away or put away.” This statement was in reference to his losing his wife to Cancer in August of this year. Joseph was referring to being a caretaker for a loved one who is suffering and who you know has a terminal illness. His statement about “put away” was in reference to people putting their loved ones in a facility rather than caring for them. Joseph’s wife’s Cancer was in remission but came back with a vengeance. It is evident in his voice that he deeply cared for his wife and fought with her until the end. 

Joseph receives Social Security and QMB that pays for his Medicare Premium and other co-pays. He is enrolled in WellCare Medicare Advantage and is happy with the program. Dental, vision and hearing are a part of his plan. He has not had to use either but is thankful that he has them. 

Joseph is grateful to Legal Aid of Arkansas for assisting him in obtaining QMB. Before receiving QMB, he had to pay his Medicare Premium, co-payments, and higher balances. Thankfully, he was approved before his wife’s illness.  Joseph did not need the added pressure of financial debt to what he was facing with a terminally ill loved one. 

When asked what it meant to him to have QMB, Joseph related that not having to gather money to pay for medical expenses. Having QMB meant one less thing to worry about and one less struggle. 

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