Edgar Ross's VA Medical Debt Crisis
Donation protected
Five years ago my Father, Edgar Ross, fell off of the roof of his home while performing routine maintenance on his air conditioner. He suffered ten broken ribs and a traumatic brain injury. He almost died. Thankfully he had insurance and was covered, but he has required ongoing medical treatment for his brain injury ever since.
Three years ago he was forced to retire from his position as an elementary school teacher due to medical reasons. The insurance he had with his retirement plan was inadequate and did not provide him the care he needed. He was too young for Medicare and didn't qualify for Medicaid. Since my father served as a soldier during the Vietnam era (though not in combat) my parents sought help from the VA. It seemed like a godsend. He was told he was fully covered by his VA benefits and started receiving the treatment he needed through their doctors. During his continued treatment it was discovered that he may have Multiple Sclerosis as a result of his injury.
Last January they received two bills that totaled $6639 from the VA. They retroactively decided that he didn't qualify at all and informed my parents that they were responsible for all costs associated with the treatment my father had received. My parents immediately began fighting this decision and by working with the local VA have gotten my father qualified for full coverage in the future due to his injury, but the powers that be have refused to assist my parents in any way regarding this bill. There is no one left to petition; no authority that can make this bill go away. They want their money and they shall have it, even if it means my parents going bankrupt.
It isn't easy for my parents to ask for help, but right now, they need support and they need financial assistance. That is why I am asking you, friends, family, co-workers, and members of the community for help. Every dollar you donate is one concrete, tangible thing you can do to right a terrible wrong. Every cent we raise is one step closer to living a normal life for my parents.
Three years ago he was forced to retire from his position as an elementary school teacher due to medical reasons. The insurance he had with his retirement plan was inadequate and did not provide him the care he needed. He was too young for Medicare and didn't qualify for Medicaid. Since my father served as a soldier during the Vietnam era (though not in combat) my parents sought help from the VA. It seemed like a godsend. He was told he was fully covered by his VA benefits and started receiving the treatment he needed through their doctors. During his continued treatment it was discovered that he may have Multiple Sclerosis as a result of his injury.
Last January they received two bills that totaled $6639 from the VA. They retroactively decided that he didn't qualify at all and informed my parents that they were responsible for all costs associated with the treatment my father had received. My parents immediately began fighting this decision and by working with the local VA have gotten my father qualified for full coverage in the future due to his injury, but the powers that be have refused to assist my parents in any way regarding this bill. There is no one left to petition; no authority that can make this bill go away. They want their money and they shall have it, even if it means my parents going bankrupt.
It isn't easy for my parents to ask for help, but right now, they need support and they need financial assistance. That is why I am asking you, friends, family, co-workers, and members of the community for help. Every dollar you donate is one concrete, tangible thing you can do to right a terrible wrong. Every cent we raise is one step closer to living a normal life for my parents.
Organizer
Gerard Ross
Organizer
El Paso, TX
