Write a Comment
6 Comments
How is his situation different than anyone else's, HIV+ or not, who's trying to make ends meet with record high grocery, gas and entertainment expenses? It's not like he's supporting a family, just himself! I'm a long term survivor also, in my mid 60s. After paying my rent and utilities, I'm lucky if I have money to buy food! But, like this man, with very careful budgeting, shopping for sale items, and cooking my own food, I manage. No sympathy please!
Good article, wish Barron and readers didn't have to live it, but thank you for your story. I too am in similar situation, stretching my SSDI check into week four, I make it work similar Ed's smarts around food, one dish I do is frozen vegetable soup, I spice it up, if I have left I'll place in sauce pan, boil down, corn starch and serve over wide noodles. But I also go to NJ Senior Centers $1.25, soup/salad, entree two sides, coffee, tea, milk, and fruit. Give it a try.
I can understand Ed's situation when it comes to budgeting. As a long-term survivor myself, I have had to learn to live on a budget even in a 2 person household as one with Medicare and QMB . Something Ed did not mention is dental services and how that is paid as dental care is one of those things that those of us living with HIV need to stay on top of . Enjoying "extras" such as eating out or buying an unneeded, but wanted item are things that have to be taken into the monthly budget.
I enjoy connecting with others who are aging with HIV/AIDS. I do a lot of writing on the subject of aging, mostly in Medium. I hope you don't mind if I use your situation in the article I'm currently writing about whether we can afford to get old. Fortunately, my financial situation is a bit better than yours, and I'm still able to work. I made enough money last year that I probably won't qualify again for ADAP once my coverage runs out this year. AIDS meds are insanely expensive!
A wonderful window into the world of a Longterm Survivor of HIV. I am fortunate to call Ed a friend and a fellow Longterm Survivor of HIV.
SleepyB
Well I hope that he's applied for SNAP, and there are ways to navigate through this health care maze so that events are not so draconian on a persons finances, it involves not being 100% truthful, a little bit of cooperation with your attorneys, and a wee bit of good luck. I'm not going to spell it out over the internet so some government official can try to close any loopholes, but I will tell him that the settlement money that he got is reportable to the IRS by 1099 form and they are easily lo
March 21, 2024 • Los Angeles