W.G. worked on the farm for many years.  He stopped working as a farmhand and went into business for himself as a handyman.  For many years farm laborers did not have Social Security deducted from their pay.  Many were paid in cash or personal check.  This led to many farm laborers not having Social Security Payments when they retired. 

W.G. is receiving Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB).  Before receiving QMB, he tried to pay his hospital bills and other medical debts. He saw bills totaling $90,000.  Although he did not have to pay this entire amount, he did try and pay the portion that Medicare did not pay.    Struggling, he spent a lot of money trying to pay off these medical bills before getting approved for QMB.  Finally realizing that trying to pay the bills was a hardship that he could not afford, he sought assistance from Legal Aid of Arkansas (LAA).  He was finally approved for QMB.   

He currently is enrolled in the WellCare Medicare Advantage Program. W.G. says that he spent a lot of money trying to pay off medical bills before getting approved for QMB. 

W.G. says that he has health issues, but he continues to try and be active.  In his words, “Part of the body is ready to move, but the rest of it is still there.”  

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Stock Image Credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/arkansas-farm.html