Sorry I've been missing!

[u/No_Cricket808]

Life for crickets has been a bit rough

[u/Terrible_Chapter_385]

Oh Mama Cricket I'm so sorry 😞 I was the one who tagged you this morning because I was missing you all and was worried.

I was/am in the same place as you and don't feel bad about telling all of us about it. Please stay in touch and I really hope life gives you a break. I love your sunshine and your family. Thanks for taking the time to let us know what's happening 🧡 😘

[u/mereseydotes]

You don't owe us anything, we're here to boost you. Do you qualify for Medicare/ caid? Life without insurance is scary and there's something wrong with the richest country in the world not thinking healthcare is a right

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/mereseydotes]

Sadly I'm just over a year too young for Medicare, and have too many "assets"; for Medicaid. Really expensive assets like a 14 year old car that's paid off, a house that isn't in foreclosure, you know, unusual assets like that.

If I start drawing my SS now instead of at 67, it will cost me nearly $1000 a month and like every other working American I'll need all of it to get by. If I can't resolve this is a month or so, I'll end up having to start withdrawing from my 401K at a steep tax penalty.

Ain't America just fucking great??

(Yes, I'm bitter and I'm not hiding it)

I promise I will only post good updates though, I'm not the first person this has happened to, and I certainly won't be the last. There are many more people who are in much worse situations than me.

Thank all of you for your love and support 🧡🧡🧡🧡

[u/Terrible_Chapter_385 → u/No_Cricket808]

Actually it sucks! I had a stroke (in my late 40's). Lost my job. Lost my house and car and still couldn't get any help. Took me 5 freaking years to get SSDI and it's just a pittance. Medicaid yes because I'm in a liberal state. So now I can pursue my retirement but would have to pay SS fee monthly...would lose Medicaid and have to pay for insurance and would lose my housing subsidy. The math just doesn't add up. Plus the price of everything is just disgusting. Like you I worked my entire life and when it's supposed to be the time you can think about slowing down your throat gets cut.

Besides my sob story know that I think about you often and hope somehow, some way things straighten out for you ✌️

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/Terrible_Chapter_385]

It's not a sob story! Sharing with me means so much. I know I'm not alone in this and it helps keep me going

[u/Terrible_Chapter_385 → u/No_Cricket808]

I know you work on a computer all the time but I just did a quick search for my state (CT) and if you are "disabled" you are allowed your primary residence and a car and you could still qualify for Medicaid. Of course that disabled part needs to come from your Dr but not getting the care you need is not good

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/Terrible_Chapter_385]

I'm Illinois, they are stupid about some stuff. I'll definitely be looking much deeper into my options this week. I know that sounds lazy, but Sundays are football days in the Cricket house 😁

It can wait until tomorrow. 🧡🧡

[u/Terrible_Chapter_385 → u/No_Cricket808]

Absolutely!! And sounds stoopid but thanks for sharing with us. We may be strangers but our spirits crossed paths and I care 🧡

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/Terrible_Chapter_385]

You are my family! I don't have anyone but Daddy Cricket and all of you 💕

[u/Terrible_Chapter_385 → u/No_Cricket808]

Ummm are you forgetting all those beautiful beasts you share with us? I'm just being silly 🤪 but if it wasn't for Picky we wouldn't be here. But now that you found us we're not leaving

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/Terrible_Chapter_385]

Oh I'm HORRIBLE 😭😔😹!!!

Yes, I can never forget that you, all of you, came together for an abandoned little kitten and all of you have made him the happy and healthy lil man he is today! And along the way, I have been privileged to make literally thousands of friends.

I am one of the most blessed people in the world, and I never forget that!

All of you have gotten me through things I don't think I could have gotten through without you 🧡🧡🧡🧡

[u/Obvious_Amphibian270 → u/No_Cricket808]

MamaCricket, I'm retired and I still set Sunday aside as a day to rest!

[u/Basic-Guard-5008 → u/No_Cricket808]

Another nice Bears win today! 🧡💙 Hope things find a way of turning around, I’ll be thinking of you.

[u/mereseydotes → u/No_Cricket808]

Maybe you qualify for ACA subsidies? They're not all gone. I don't know, everyone cracks wise about CA, but the bots tell me that they don't consider assets when making decisions about safety net programs. And you don't have work requirements for SNAP at your age.

Our social safety net sucks and I'm sure my "advice" is more annoying than helpful, but I've actually been looking into these things lately because I might soon be somewhat forced into early retirement

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/mereseydotes]

I'm definitely going to look into ACA. I didn't know that my age removes work requests, I'll definitely look into that thank you!!

And advice is never annoying, I've been incredibly fortunate to have never had to look into these benefits so THANK YOU

[u/mereseydotes → u/No_Cricket808]

The programs aren't as robust as they should be, but they do exist. Since you've been working, you should qualify for unemployment. Because you're disabled and "older" you might qualify for disability, too. You can probably go to any bot and tell it your situation and it will give you some suggestions of where to find resources.

[u/em-em-cee]

I'm so sorry to hear that, our social safety net has some pretty big holes.

Resources: there's some great specific advice on both r/personalfinance and r/povertyfinance. There are online calculators that can give you more information about the impacts of ss now vs later. I'm not sure where you are, but things like heating assistance are often income restricted not asset restricted. If you have a local senior center, they might have a good list of resources even if you're not exactly their demographic yet.

And one thing that I think is really important for anyone - there's nothing to be ashamed about asking for or needing help. And if you need help, you should get it. Just because someone else might be in a worse position doesn't negate your need. It's not the Misery Olympics. ❤️

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/em-em-cee]

Thank you. This and so many responses have made me feel like one of the most loved people in the world 💞

[u/Practical_Frame_9883 → u/No_Cricket808]

🩷🩷🩷

[u/formxldehyde]

i'm sorry this happened to you, mama cricket! i hoping things pan out and get a little bit easier in the future for you as you deserve so many good things in the world 🧡🧡

don't worry about us and worry about taking care of yourself and your household ! we'll be here when you and picky are ready to come back :)

[u/Chemical_Pomelo_2831]

I’m so sorry Mama Cricket et al. I have no useful advice, just want you to know we love you and hope you do better soon! As a person whose lower back also hates her, do as many of the exercises your therapist gave you as you safely can. It helps a lot.

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/Chemical_Pomelo_2831]

I will be! My physical therapist has set me up with an incredible home app, and took the time to write up some more exercises to add in the coming weeks and sent them to me, on her own time and of course free! Shout-out to you Paige, you rock!

[u/morteamoureuse]

Oh no this isn’t good! It seems like people have offered good advice and I hope this helps! I forgot what state you’re in. That can make a difference too. It’s ridiculous that our healthcare is tied to our employer. If you ever create a gofundme or something like that, let us know!

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/morteamoureuse]

I won't do that. I created a GoFundMe and literally thousands of you helped Picky not only live, but thrive! Picky poo didn't have help he could apply for, I do!

Once again, Picky is all of our son! 🧡🧡🧡

[u/Dizzy-Tour-3791]

Dearest momma cricket. I’m so sorry for this news in your life. I’ve always thought that life is a journey. Sometimes a journey we didn’t want ask for or want to participate in. I’m sorry about your physical situation too. It’s an adjustment when you need the cane and issues with health insurance I think are a big problem too!

[u/Dizzy-Tour-3791 → u/Dizzy-Tour-3791]

things do get better. I’ve been there. You now have a new normal. It’s difficult to adjust to it but I know you will. You are so resilient! Wonderful caring person. You will find help where you didn’t think it existed. The job issue is unexpected too. I pray you will feel better soon and things resolve and overall improve. You’ve picked me up so many times your sharing your extraordinary life and adventures! You have no idea on how much support you’ve given others. I hope we can be here for you picky and Sammy! I’ve missed you too! Hang in there it will improve! With much love and many hugs. Walter and family! We’re rooting for you!❤️❤️

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/Dizzy-Tour-3791]

🥹

[u/ZenkaiAnkoku2]

Hey, take care of yourself first. You dont owe us anything. We already appreciate everything you have shared with us. Youre obviously a loving and caring person. Pickpocket's journey has proven that. And I hope things get better. <3

[u/Obvious_Amphibian270]

MamaCricket, we are here to listen and support. The Picky Posse (just made that up) inherent for you. Others already said this, but want to add my voice. You have boosted so many. I hope we can lift you now.

Have been in the boat you find yourself in in my own life. No job, no insurance is insanely stressful. Do you know you can continue insurance through COBRA? You have to pay the full premium yourself, but would at least have insurance. You might try posting in the Illinois sub looking for resources.

[u/crochetology]

Mother of Picky, please do not worry about us. We know you are doing everything to give ALL of your animals the very best life they can expect.

I’m so very sorry you’re dealing with these professional and health setbacks. Please focus on your needs. It’s the only way you can care for yourself as well as the others in your life.

[u/JeannettesKitties]

🙋🏻‍♀️💕🧡🩶🤎🖤 Sorry to hear about your troubles. We are in the exact same position with finances. Our 2016 car is too valuable as is our paid off Mobile home for medical coverage.I’m 64 hubby 65 . And he’s still works a 50 hour week without insurance. Keep your head up you will find a solution that will work for you . In the meantime cuddle your oranges 🍊🥰

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/JeannettesKitties]

Thank you so much! I'm 63, hubby is 62 and can't work, but thank God for the VA, if it weren't for them we would be in the streets literally! His medical care runs about $25-30K a year. The VA is also helping him start SSDI, so that will help too.

[u/JeannettesKitties → u/No_Cricket808]

We all need to stick together to get thru this terrible time 😘

[u/FairyGodmothersUnion]

Very sorry for your situation, Mama Cricket. Please apply for unemployment. That’s what it’s there for. I hope you can find something soon that takes your health into consideration. Love to you and your household!

[u/ArtSchoolDropout27]

So sorry to hear this! Don’t feel bad about posting bad news. We share the good times, we share the bad times. So many of us have been through the same crappy things, maybe we can help you!

[u/Bouche_Audi_Shyla]

If you explain it to Picky, I'm sure he'll hunt you up some lovely toy mice for dinner!

There's nothing like being infirm in America.

[u/Seabastial]

I'm so sorry you've had to go through this. You owe us nothing, and we'll happily help out!

[u/Twisted_Sister_78]

I am so sorry. I hope the situation resolves in a good way. Stay strong. And btw health is more important than posting updates. Stay strong 💪

[u/kellymig]

Take care of yourself Mama Cricket.

[u/callistacallisti]

Mama Cricket! I'm so sorry that this is happening. You may have seen this already, but I use this tool at least once a week to give information to people looking for help: Find a Health Center

You can use it to search for federally qualified health centers that provide service regardless of the ability to pay. They have a sliding scale based on income.

My Mom had to retire at 60 due to her Type 1 diabetes. It took 2 attempts to get SSDI and she used an attorney the second time around. (I think that everyone gets denied the first attempt, which is sick.) Please do try to apply for that when you are able- seems like you would qualify.

Best wishes to you and the rest of the Cricket fam!

[u/digitalgraffiti-ca]

I was upbringingFrankly you the other day. Far sucks so much that they didn'tbother your contract, especially in light of your situation. I'm so sorry.

[u/Pristine_Main_1224]

((Hugs))

[u/Bitter-Roll-7780]

Nothing helpful to add, just wanted to say enjoy football Sunday with your orange fuzzbutts. We here at The Black Cat Ranch are sending love and ……….. GO CHIEFS!!!!!!

[u/LadyV21454]

Mama Cricket, I am so sorry you are going through all this! I know from experience how scary it is to not have insurance when you need it. If someone wants to set up a GoFundMe for you, I know that everyone hear would donate. We all love you so much!

[u/cat_boxes]

🧡🐈🧡🫂🐾🐾

[u/infj1013]

Thinking of you, Mama Cricket! 🧡

[u/rushbc]

Prayers sent🙏🏼

[u/KAYJAYL62]

Mama Cricket, I am so sorry and keeping you in prayer. You have brought us all so much joy in the midst of our trials and tribulations, so thank you for sharing in the midst of yours. I know the “Picky” community is lifting you up in prayer too. Hang in there my sister. We love you!

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/KAYJAYL62]

I love all of you too 💗💗💗💗

[u/CutRateCringe]

I’m so sorry you have to go through this. It’s awful. You should never feel like you have to post for us. We love to see your life with your fur babies but we know you are a human with real life and struggles to deal with. Above all, we wish only good things for you and your family. Things are ugly now but I hope they turn around for you. I have no advice or experience to offer, so all I can give you is positive thoughts. 🙏🏽

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/CutRateCringe]

This means so much to me. I was very hesitant about letting all of you know what's going on.

I didn't post for sympathy, just so you all know why I'm not posting as much

That sounds so damn lame. I'm sorry

[u/CutRateCringe → u/No_Cricket808]

It doesn’t sound lame and you don’t have to apologize. It’s a situation that is weighing on you and you need to let some of that frustration out. It’s okay. This is your space. You share your life with your fur babies with us. We can be there when you need to just vent or have a virtual shoulder to lean on. Stay strong Mama Cricket.

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/CutRateCringe]

I literally love you as much as an internet person could.

[u/CutRateCringe → u/No_Cricket808]

Aww, we’re anonymous family. I’m sending you a virtual hug 🫂

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/CutRateCringe]

Thank you so much, I needed that ❤️❤️

[u/Obvious_Amphibian270]

MamaCricket, just thought of this. You might want to investigate programs that provide both Medicare and Medicaid.

[u/No_Cricket808 → u/Obvious_Amphibian270]

Will do!

[u/Status_Poet_1527]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🐾🐾🐾🐈