Well, Health and Human Services just published the new poverty guidelines:
http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.shtml

Last year, I missed by a dollar being eligible for Medicaid assistance, which pays for Medicare, Part B (which will be $96.40 this year) and co-pays and things not covered by Medicare (like the repairs on my crappy mobility scooter).

This year I miss by $6 being eligible. Doesn't that just make so much sense -- because I make $6 a month too much, I have to pay $96.40 a month, plus co-pays (although, I think they'll probably throw me into the free care pool again for that).

It used to be that whomever did the cost-of-living calculations also, obviously, did the federal poverty level calculations -- because the numbers always seemed to relate to each other. Last year and this year, it's just like they're trying to scape a few people off of the top of what's considered "poverty level". You know -- "You make $6 a month too much so see-ya. Now, give us back $96.40."

Well, I'm gonna have to find some more money. SSDI cost-of-living is a joke. It's not keeping up with the gas and oil charges that are ramping up our grocery bills. I don't do anything. I don't go anywhere. I don't do drugs. I don't smoke. I don't drive. C-R-A-P I don't buy books or magazines or newspapers. I don't have ANY fun

Well, I saw a nice little job at the library. 6 hours a week. I think I could do it. But, it's a "town job" -- so you have to provide references. I haven't worked since August 2001. Most of the companies that I worked for have either gone out of business or have been bought out. Where the heck do you get references when you haven't worked in 6-1/2 years??

Not to mention -- CLOTHES. I wear sweat pants and t-shirts all the time. I own two dresses (spring/summer) that still fit me.

Where the heck do you get references?? The last 10 years of my [quote]career[end-quote] were as a contractor. So, the only references that I can REALLY use are the agencies. AARRGGHH!!

Well, I guess mostly I just wanted to throw my guts on the floor But, if you've got any ideas about where to find references (4 professional or business references only), I'm listening.

Thanks.

Barb