Mickey’s Mental Health
Donation protected
I would like to start by saying that I never thought I would post about this. However, I realize that by not posting I am feeding the stigma around mental health that is hurting our nation and its people so much. If my brother had been in a life threatening accident, or had a terminal illness, I wouldn’t think twice about it....but for some reason I’ve been nervous, and I will admit, embarrassed to post this. It has occurred to me that feeling this way about a true illness is wrong and hypocritical. Even if I don’t raise a penny, I want to bring awareness to the state of public assistance regarding mental illness in this country.
Ever since I can remember, my older brother has looked out for me. Now it is my turn. He has battled dual-diagnosis for the past 15 years, meaning he is an addict and suffers from mental illness. Currently, he is 35 and has been sober for the past 4 years, but his bipolar disorder, combined with depression, social anxiety and OCD has grown increasingly severe. He has not been able to work in almost two years. However, he has been denied for disability assistance twice. He has worked here and there throughout adulthood, but never enough to support himself. My mom is referred to by many as “a saint.” She has never hesitated to help a friend, neighbor or stranger in any way she can. She is an incredible member of her church, her community and neighborhood. She is the hardest working, most selfless person I have ever met. She pays Mickey’s health insurance since he does not qualify for medicaid. Georgia did not expand coverage, and you must be on disability for two years before qualifying for medicaid.
He doesn’t qualify for a tax credit through ACA because he has zero income. Yet, he cannot qualify for Medicaid because he was denied for disability. He appealed and was denied again. He has now had to start the application process over because he missed the latest appeal deadline... because he was in a mental health facility at the time of the deadline. The irony is infuriating. I find it disgraceful and sad that he has been denied for assistance from a program meant to assist Americans with disabilities. Despite the lengthy diagnoses from his medical professionals, he remains unable to work and without any public assistance. Mental illness is real and can be completely debilitating. My mother has stood by his side all these years.
I am trying to raise funds in an effort to keep Mickey’s insurance policy in place while he goes through the disability application process (again). I am hoping that others out there will find it in their hearts to help this campaign. Thank you and bless you.
Ever since I can remember, my older brother has looked out for me. Now it is my turn. He has battled dual-diagnosis for the past 15 years, meaning he is an addict and suffers from mental illness. Currently, he is 35 and has been sober for the past 4 years, but his bipolar disorder, combined with depression, social anxiety and OCD has grown increasingly severe. He has not been able to work in almost two years. However, he has been denied for disability assistance twice. He has worked here and there throughout adulthood, but never enough to support himself. My mom is referred to by many as “a saint.” She has never hesitated to help a friend, neighbor or stranger in any way she can. She is an incredible member of her church, her community and neighborhood. She is the hardest working, most selfless person I have ever met. She pays Mickey’s health insurance since he does not qualify for medicaid. Georgia did not expand coverage, and you must be on disability for two years before qualifying for medicaid.
He doesn’t qualify for a tax credit through ACA because he has zero income. Yet, he cannot qualify for Medicaid because he was denied for disability. He appealed and was denied again. He has now had to start the application process over because he missed the latest appeal deadline... because he was in a mental health facility at the time of the deadline. The irony is infuriating. I find it disgraceful and sad that he has been denied for assistance from a program meant to assist Americans with disabilities. Despite the lengthy diagnoses from his medical professionals, he remains unable to work and without any public assistance. Mental illness is real and can be completely debilitating. My mother has stood by his side all these years.
I am trying to raise funds in an effort to keep Mickey’s insurance policy in place while he goes through the disability application process (again). I am hoping that others out there will find it in their hearts to help this campaign. Thank you and bless you.
Organizer
Holly Shannon Webster
Organizer
Atlanta, GA
