LaShawn begin receiving disability in 2016.  Her sister needed a personal care aide and so she decided to help.  LaShawn was familiar with her sister’s condition, and she felt that it would be better if the aide was a family member.  The work was light, but little did she know that this $200 a week job would result in her losing her QMB. In August, her check was reduced by $500.  This was due to overpayment.  The income she received caused her to be ineligible for her Medicare Premiums to be paid through QMB.  In September, her check was reduced by $349, and now her current check from Social Security has a $174.70 deduction for premiums moving forward. 

For LaShawn’s family this was a devastating financial hit. She was unable to pay her rent for September.  She currently is without medication because she cannot afford it and with such minimal means, she has little food in the house to feed her family. 

LaShawn has a Medicare Advantage Plan with United Health Care. After she lost her QMB, her Medicare Advantage Plan changed with United Health Care. She is no longer able to purchase food with her U-Card or pay her utility bill.  She had to pay $55 to see an Orthopedist.  Medicaid paid all medical visits co-pays including specialist visits.  She is now responsible for these but cannot afford them.   

This storyteller planned the life of her family and herself around receiving QMB and the additional $800 a month for serving as her sister’s personal care aide. She now must figure out how she is going to make ends meet and to simply have food in the house. 

LaShawn will eventually have to decide as to whether she will continue to serve as her sister’s personal care aide or do what is best for herself. Mounting medical bills may cause her to decide to give up the job.  Not an easy choice to make. 

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