Donate to Susie Ratledge's Health Coverage

I am Susie Ratledge. I am a 64-year-old female who has lost her health insurance!

I have a long list of rheumatic and other diseases, including:

1. Relapsing Polychondritis (this causes inflammation of the cartilage throughout the body. The picture of my ear is an example)

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (affects the joints and synovial tissues)

3. Psoriatic Arthritis (affects the joints and tendons)

4. Mixed Connective tissue disease (this is an overlap syndrome of lupus, polymyositis, and scleroderma)

5. Sjögren's Syndrome (this affects the secretory glands of the body).

6. Adrenal Insufficiency (My body no longer secretes its cortisol).

7. Type II Diabetes

8. Erythromelalgia

9. Small fiber neuropathy

I was a nurse until I could no longer work. Eventually, I qualified for TennCare in my home state of Tennessee. I was very ill several years ago and qualified for nursing home placement. I was offered the "Choices" program, which allowed me to stay in my home with home health assistants, which I took.

This spring, I was reassessed and told that I no longer qualified for the Choices program. As a result, I was no longer eligible for TennCare. Because I am not 65, I am not eligible for Medicare either. My coverage will end on July 10, 2025.

Yes, I can qualify for coverage through the Marketplace, but even Marketplace plans will come at a high cost. Due to my rheumatic diseases, I am on a long list of medications, including some very expensive biologic medications. Without these meds, I will become very ill again.

I know most everyone has their own financial issues, but if you can chip in, every little bit helps.

I have chosen to give back in the way I can. Because relapsing polychondritis is so rare, I, along with other like-minded current and former medical professionals, started a support group four years ago. We attempt to offer science-based support for those with relapsing polychondritis. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/dramafreerelapsingpolychondritisscienceandsupport