My Veterans Health Care Experience

After I qualified for Illinois Medicaid coverage, I was able to qualify for Veterans health care benefits. I was able to get initial blood work done and consult with a dietitian. I was also able to get topical prescription medication for my Psoriasis, but I have an ongoing problem with Gout, which they told me they would not treat. Apparently the stigma of Gout is still strong enough that they assumed Gout is a result of poor decision-making.

With my Illinois Medicaid coverage gone, and the rejection of treatment by the VA, the inevitable happened:

I was bed-ridden starting July 16, 2018. I am only able to struggle with a cane to the bathroom every six hours, pick up the news paper in the morning and mail in the evening, and prepare one meal a day. I'm gradually recovering, but I had to withdraw a job application because of my illness. I have no idea when I will be fully recovered. I can't seek medical help because it will bankrupt me.

I have not been able to bathe or shower since then. I'm starting to get skin infections.