Hello Friends!

 

If you're in regular contact with Kelly Bells on Facebook or in person, you know that she has been very open about her life with Multiple Sclerosis and the challenges it has presented her.

 

Despite qualifying for Disability benefits, she has a 2 year waiting period before Medicare kicks in and is facing mounting medical bills for the next 18 months that are no longer covered by her high-deductible marketplace policy. She is avoiding recommended tests because of the costs associated, which could be detrimental in the long run without help.

 

As a result of these pending costs and the need to remain close to her support system in Chicago, she is relocating to a more affordable home outside the city.

 

Kelly puts on a brave face for everyone, but these types of medical bills for people with disabilities are oppressive and not conducive to physical or mental well-being. It's hard enough for Kelly to ask for help with tasks without this additional financial burden.

 

Per our conversations, this is what she is faced with for the next 18 months:

 

Medical insurance = $332/mo ($5976 over 18 months)

Annual deductible = $3500 ($5250 over 18 months)

Out of Pocket maximum = $6950/year ($3450/yr after deductible)

 

In a best-case scenario, Kelly is going to have medical bills and insurance premiums totaling almost $15,000 over the next 18 months. That's a staggering number for someone with a good job, let alone a person with a disability who is the only one paying her bills.

 

We don't know how she can do this without help, so we are asking for any support you are able to give comfortably. Please keep these fundraising efforts a secret from her. You know how she is...