• LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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    1 month ago

    Just so these dipshits know, I’m already feeling the cuts to Medicare/Medicaid staffing and services.

    I live in the US and rely on Medicare because I’m fully disabled, to the point of being homebound.

    Apparently the division that deals with remote visiting technology has been cut, so they can’t legally fill my prescriptions anymore unless I physically travel nearly an hour to their office every 3 months to remain eligible, and my doctor can’t legally renew medications that I’ve been on for 20 years. Within a couple of months I’ll have to stop taking all of my long term maintenance meds because I cannot travel to their office.

    This will remove all my quality of life and will kill me slowly. I don’t want to die slowly of neglect, so I’ve got a decision to make, and I’m putting it off because I really don’t want to die yet.

    I don’t know what to say except I have a name. I’m Lilly Piper. I’m a very good user experience designer, a pretty good writer, and decent friend.

    We’re not faceless or nameless. I just want someone to remember that there are names behind these policies.

    I’m good at sewing; I make period correct corsets from the 1800s and before (proof and more proof).

    I’m actually great at sewing. I do embroidery and am a great listener. I’m also a good writer and editor. I didn’t need to die like this, but I won’t be homeless again, and I won’t beg in the streets for medicine. I just won’t.

    e: links

    • inclementimmigrant@lemmy.worldOP
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      1 month ago

      It’s really disgusting how these self proclaimed Christians are so eager to discard the needy to give to the ultra wealthy.

      There are still American out there are trying to fight to help disabled Americans like you and everyone else to be able to live a dignified life.

      Hang in there.

      • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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        1 month ago

        Thank you, I’ll look into that, that’s quite helpful. I just found about the cuts, so I’ve not had time to do much but reel. I’ll start making some calls.
        Thanks for the suggestions!

    • DarthKaren@lemmy.world
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      1 month ago

      I’m a disabled vet. I’m unemployable. SSDI is the only thing that makes things breathable for us. The only real way I have to make any money on the side is by painting DnD minis, dice towers, or maybe Gunpla commissions. It’s so difficult to do much in a day that it takes me quite some time to paint just a couple minis. Months on a gundam. I just don’t have the stamina to do much in a day. Fatigue is killing me. I’ve got a few painted, but I haven’t had the energy to put them up anywhere yet. I have just as many to paint still.

      Body wide small fiber neuropathy, a central nervous system issue and colon removal really tanked me. Winter (Wa state) and fronts rolling through, even in summer, tank me even more. I think the change in air pressure is what does it.

      A cut in medicare means that I also now have copays. I have tons of doc appointments still. No one can tell me what the root of the issue is, or at least prove it as it’s very likely chemical exposures. All funding that would have led to a “here it is” was shuttered. Regular blood tests due to colon removal. Regular tests due to the fucked up nervous system, which is still progressing 20 years after the last exposure and 18 after it started.

      My wife is a PARA, but we’re in a low income area and PARAs don’t make shit. From my excel math, we can make it by with no SSDI. However, we’ll have absolutely no extra money. No money to replace clothes. No money for home repairs. No money for vehicle repairs. Before you say it, we do need them. Taking public transit is incredibly painful, and shitty at best. Plus I have no energy to do that. I can barely do the appointments I have, even driving myself the only 20 mins, avg, to the various doc appointments.

      I feel like such a waste already. I love math. I love engineering. I love turning a wrench. I love cooking. I can barely do any of it. These assholes seem to think we’re all grifting and “welfare” queens. Sad thing is, there are many more vets in my position. Yet many don’t seem to realize that the GOP hates us. They’ll keep voting for it. Voting for that shotgun to the foot and pleading for more like a gimp gagging daddy for more.

      • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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        1 month ago

        I’m so sorry. You shouldn’t be facing these cuts on top of everything else. I hope you can find some relief soon.

    • Fredselfish@lemmy.world
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      1 month ago

      As a fellow writer I don’t want you to die. I bought your book can’t wait to read it. Stay safe and if we on Lemmy can do anything to help please let us know.

      • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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        1 month ago

        Thanks so much! I’d love to know what you think if you read it. Let me know if you’d like me to read something, too!

          • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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            1 month ago

            Wow thanks!

            I’ve just picked up yours on kindle (I’ll get the hardback soon, I just can’t afford to atm). Also followed.

            I’m sleepless due to a thunderstorm with tornadoes, so your book can calm my nerves tonight, thanks!

            • Fredselfish@lemmy.world
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              1 month ago

              That’s awesome! Thank you so much. I following you as well. I have two more books that I will be republishing soon.

              • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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                1 month ago

                Nice! It’s great to bump into other authors in random places. I’ll keep my eye out for your other 2 books!

                • Fredselfish@lemmy.world
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                  1 month ago

                  Yes it is. I believe we are all in this together. It’s cool because my wife is also a writer and my son is working on his first novel.

    • Xaphanos@lemmy.world
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      1 month ago

      I want you to know that I see you. I regret that we don’t live anywhere near each other.

      In my youth, I sewed my historical recreation garb (poorly). While I can’t program, or do UX, I have worked with folks that did that while I managed the server side of things. And I have some experience in visual art.

      I am also a decent listener. I’d be happy to listen to whatever you want to talk about. DM me?

      • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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        1 month ago

        Thanks. I appreciate that.

        I’m not just talking about myself, but others like me. I’m Lilly Piper, but there are others like me. You can try to save all of us, and I would greatly appreciate your efforts.

    • yumpsuit@lemmy.world
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      1 month ago

      Thanks for sharing this with us. If my friend was in similar circumstances, I would tell them to read this de-paywalled 404 Media article with a doctor and lawyer next to them, to do what the doctor and lawyer say and comply with all laws and best practices and sensible precautions, and that it wasn’t medical or legal advice and neither is this Lemmy post.

      Also, corsetry kicks ass and your work is gorgeous. My SO found creators like Abby Cox, Bernadette Banner, and Nicole Rudolph during 2020 and it’s been an absolutely mesmerizing rabbit hole to fall into even for a cishet fella well outside the key demographics. Although, unisex medical compression support garments are more relevant to me lately; is that an angle that drew you to them with EDS and everything?

      I’m glad there’s a gamepad in that picture too. What you’ve shared speaks to a life lived very well in spite of health and circumstance.

      • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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        26 days ago

        Thanks, that’s very kind.

        I’ve been doing corsetry for decades, so no, I just liked history and sewing, and that’s how they came together.

        It’s interesting you’d say that, though – after some time in a physiotherapy group, my therapist asked me if I’d be willing to design some back braces. Apparently the construction is similar.

        But I’m a designer, not an engineer (and certainly not a healthcare person) so I declined.

    • Onyxonblack@lemm.ee
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      1 month ago

      I understand. In death, a member of Project Mayham has a name. Their name is Lilly Piper.

    • dryfter@lemm.ee
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      1 month ago

      I’d like to say I don’t understand what you’re going through.

      I’m a 3x attempt survivor, disabled, and terrified. I’m on SSDI, Medicare/Medicaid, and in HUD housing. My situation is not the same but I see you.

      I wish there was more I could offer, but you are not alone.

      • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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        1 month ago

        I’m sorry. I wish you didn’t have to go through this. You don’t deserve that.

    • Ledericas@lemm.eeBanned from community
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      1 month ago

      i assume you mean teledoc, yea that was suppose to be cheaper than in-person, so its going to get worst if they are cutting that too.

      • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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        1 month ago

        It’s been cut now for Medicare patients in my area; not sure whether it’s my state or at the fed level, but my doctor has been warned more changes are coming soon. They already can’t log on to the teledoc system, so it’s just gone, apparently.

    • xyzzy@lemm.ee
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      1 month ago

      This must be terrifying. I disagree with this new requirement to appear in person every few months for reasons just like this, and I’d like to share cases like yours when I talk to Trump voters. Would you be willing to share the condition that keeps you homebound and prevents you from traveling in person?

      • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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        1 month ago

        I’m happy to share my story with anyone.

        I have a combination of rheumatological and genetic issues, including RA, Sjögren’s, Ehlers Danlos, severe osteoporosis, and a couple of related issues that have caused severe GI and heart issues. I can’t digest fruits or vegetables (they come out looking exactly how they went in) so my diet is severely limited, and I have seizures.

        The drugs they’re saying I can’t have anymore include hydroxychloroquine, pilocarpine, prolia, and a few drugs meant to make my life more livable (tizanadin, gabapentin, mirtazapine, and ondansetron).

        e: I can’t travel because of the seizures and that being out and about exacerbates my heart condition (SVT and periodic sinus arrest – I have a loop monitor).

        I don’t take any opioids or anything like that, only things to keep GI cramps in check so I can at least eat a bit, plus metoprolol er and more paracetamol than is safe, because nobody is willing to even attempt to manage my pain at this point. I’m better at that through means that won’t ruin me physically or psychologically since I’ve had to for my entire life, since I was too small to have choices.

        e2: Let me know if you want to know anything else. (edited to be a bit more specific)

          • LillyPip@lemmy.ca
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            1 month ago

            Thank you. There are a LOT of people like me, and many of them are children.

            I want you to know me because people are more likely to fight for friends rather than strangers. Please understand that I am trying to manipulate you, and I’m really hoping you’ll manipulate others this same way. A lot of people are about to die, and some are already dying.

            Please find and share their names and stories, and get others to do the same.

            We need to be honest with each other.

  • burgerpocalyse@lemmy.world
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    1 month ago

    https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna11237564 Bush Jr did this 20 years ago and got so shellacked by the constituency that (coupled with the whole middle east invasion that accomplished nothing and killed a few people) made it so republicans and conservatives dare not refer to him ever again because of how toxic he is

    • Ledericas@lemm.eeBanned from community
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      1 month ago

      and the msm have rarely brought up that over the years.

    • inclementimmigrant@lemmy.worldOP
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      1 month ago

      I heard Jefferies is staging a sit-in on May 25th as to not inconvenience anyone and calling for bipartisanship to fight this bill.

    • kokolowlander@lemm.ee
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      1 month ago

      American voters are hilarious. Voted out the party trying to bolster Medicare and Medicaid. Then complain the party out of power for not stopping the cut.

  • MunkysUnkEnz0@lemmy.world
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    1 month ago

    They’re trying to kill as many people as possible, What disgusting human beings.

    Why can’t this be stopped? I don’t understand. They’re dismantling the federal government and destroying America piece by piece.

    keep in mind He’s already killed maybe millions of people during COVID.

    Thump May I go down your history as one of the biggest Butchers in history.

      • Ledericas@lemm.eeBanned from community
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        1 month ago

        gop is addicted to trumps grift, they cant afford to oppose him when they can benefit themselves right now.

        • Merva@sh.itjust.works
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          1 month ago

          Because the GOP are not only as complicit in this as Trump, they are the root cause of all this happening, and cutting medicaid has been on their wishlist for decades. McConnell termed himself “the grim reaper”, exactly based on his objective to cut thing like this. I don’t understand why people keep considering them as some separate entity from Trump.

          Trump is the manifestation of the GOP.

          • Scotty_Trees@lemmy.world
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            1 month ago

            Mitch McConnell referred to himself as the “Grim Reaper” to signify his role in blocking progressive policies, stating that if he remained Senate majority leader, such policies would not pass. Mitch wasn’t responsible for cutting things from bills. He would just simply flat out let the bills sit on his desk where they went to die, hence the nickname. But my point is moot lol

    • crossover@lemmy.world
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      1 month ago

      People had their chance to stop him last November. A third of those eligible didn’t even vote.

      Now it’s up to the courts. The other branches of government are controlled by a deranged Authoritarian and his sycophants.

    • fnrir@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      1 month ago

      Remember that time conservatives said they needed guns to defend themselves from a tyrannical government?

  • SinningStromgald@lemmy.world
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    1 month ago

    “Savings like these allow us to use this bill to renew the Trump tax cuts and keep Republicans’ promise to hardworking middle-class families,” said Rep. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky, the GOP chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which handles health care spending.

    How the fuck are tax cuts for the wealthy gonna help the nearly nonexistent middle class?

  • FistingEnthusiast@lemmynsfw.com
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    1 month ago

    And of course the idiots who voted for Trump will be the ones most adversely affected by this, yet still somehow blame the Dems and liberals

  • Ledericas@lemm.eeBanned from community
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    1 month ago

    how many times did johnson try to cut this since last year.

  • DaddleDew@lemmy.world
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    1 month ago

    Oh look, that thing they said they wouldn’t do but everyone who isn’t their followers knew they would anyway.

  • centof@lemm.ee
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    1 month ago

    How conveniently timed, right after Trump’s EO to supposedly reduce medicine costs. Definitely no distractions or collusion there.

    • Ledericas@lemm.eeBanned from community
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      1 month ago

      it actually wont, he tried this in his first term as a distraciton.

    • Initiateofthevoid@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      1 month ago

      Whaaat, the EO that the stable genius claimed will save “TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS”?

      “It really does seem the plan is to ask manufacturers to voluntarily lower their prices to some point, which is not known,” Sachs said. “If they do not lower their prices to the desired point, HHS shall take other actions with a very long timeline, some of which could potentially, years in the future, lower drug prices"

      That executive order?

      You think he would write a toothless, narrowly-focused, bullshit executive order as, what?

      A distraction?

      From the massive cut to medicaid? That he and his entire party promised a thousand times over they would never do? That will absolutely, directly, fuck over not just Americans on medicaid - but all Americans? Everywhere?

      If you didn’t know, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is far more than just an insurance provider! It’s a critical part of our healthcare system.

      As most nursing homes rely almost exclusively on CMS funding, they also have to obey CMS rules if they want to get paid. Rules which - in a lot of states - are basically the only thing keeping grandma alive!

      The piss-poor quality of elder care in this country can and will plummet even further if CMS was ever reduced in scope and funding. That would be horrifying and evil.

      Can you imagine, a sitting president willfully dismantling a load-bearing pillar of our society like that? And lying about it? In writing?

      Were you aware that much of our problems in US healthcare - in one way or another - tie back to CMS not being allowed to negotiate drug prices at all? At least until recently in 2022, when democrats pushed a bill that at least allowed some drug prices to be negotiated?

      Which is why an executive order would ever be necessary - because CMS, the single largest American insurance provider, is legally not allowed to negotiate most of its drug prices, and instead just has to take what it gets?

      And you think a sitting President would do that? Write a bullshit executive order as a distraction? Set up a faux protest from major pharmaceutical companies, who have a vested interest in privatizing as much of the healthcare industry as possible?

      Pharmaceutical companies who will loudly complain about the executive order on maybe-potentially-in-the-future reduced drug prices, but for some reason keep funneling money into the Republican warchest?

      All while he further hamstrings the literal life support system for senior citizens in America? Claim he’s saving us trillions of dollars, while quietly pulling the plug on our most vulnerable neighbors?

      You think he would pretend it’s for our sake, even though the downstream effects of forcing people off health insurance inevitably leads to abandonment of all routine, preventative care? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, you know!

      All those poor patients will then get debilitating mountains of illness where there should have been easily treatable mole hlls, the total cost to the healthcare system will skyrocket, local family health and preventative care services will suffer and bankrupt due to a sudden lack of insured customers, and chronically underfunded hospital systems in low income areas will collapse as they increasingly pay the costs of keeping their community alive!

      And you think a sitting president would do that? Throw out a bullshit distraction while he pulls the trigger on a decades-long effort to collapse all public funding for healthcare? Send our rural and urban healthcare systems into a tailspin? Open up the floor for private equity to finish cannibalizing whatever’s left, all for higher stock prices and earning reports?

      Surely that could never happen in a civilized society.