Woman says law is killing her husband
Updated: October 9, 2012
HUMBOLDT -- This woman is fighting for her husband's life. He has chronic liver disease, and she says the state will only pay for four of his prescriptions per month. It's part of a new law she says is killing him.
The new limit on drugs is because of Medicaid cuts in Illinois. Lawmakers created it to stop people from abusing the prescription system. WCIA-3's Megan Brilley introduces us to a family in a life-or death struggle.
John Craig was diagnosed with chronic liver disease eight years ago. Only 15% of his liver is functioning. He takes 60-pills a day. Those prescription drugs are his lifeline, and now it's been cut off giving him little hope of survival.
"He has to have it or he is going to die."
It's a harsh reality that Margi Craig is dealing with. Her husband John's days are spent here in this chair. His liver disease puts him in so much pain, he can't move.
"Some days are worse than others, but it's always there."
"It's hard to see him everyday and there's nothing I can do for that. I can do everything else for him, but I can't help the pain."
Craig takes 14-pills, three times a day for his liver, not counting the 18-he has to take for other health problems.
"I just fight for my medicine to even live another month or another day."
Last week, he and his wife went to their pharmacy to stock up on their weekly meds. They were given four prescriptions, and were told the rest had to be paid for in cash.
"We had no clue."
The law states people can get more than four a month if it's approved by their doctor. It's something Craig's at-home nurse could take months.
"They have to send it in to the state as a special request and say why the prescription is needed. Then the state says, 'We say yes or we say no.'"
That would take time that this family simply doesn't have. The Craig's looked into other options, like disability. They were denied. They hired a lawyer and are hoping for a miracle.
"We just refuse to let him go anywhere. He's not going to leave us. Not for this. We're not giving up."
Local state Representative Chapin Rose (R) says the family is in a life-or-death situation.
The new limit on drugs is because of Medicaid cuts in Illinois. Lawmakers created it to stop people from abusing the prescription system. WCIA-3's Megan Brilley introduces us to a family in a life-or death struggle.
John Craig was diagnosed with chronic liver disease eight years ago. Only 15% of his liver is functioning. He takes 60-pills a day. Those prescription drugs are his lifeline, and now it's been cut off giving him little hope of survival.
"He has to have it or he is going to die."
It's a harsh reality that Margi Craig is dealing with. Her husband John's days are spent here in this chair. His liver disease puts him in so much pain, he can't move.
"Some days are worse than others, but it's always there."
"It's hard to see him everyday and there's nothing I can do for that. I can do everything else for him, but I can't help the pain."
Craig takes 14-pills, three times a day for his liver, not counting the 18-he has to take for other health problems.
"I just fight for my medicine to even live another month or another day."
Last week, he and his wife went to their pharmacy to stock up on their weekly meds. They were given four prescriptions, and were told the rest had to be paid for in cash.
"We had no clue."
The law states people can get more than four a month if it's approved by their doctor. It's something Craig's at-home nurse could take months.
"They have to send it in to the state as a special request and say why the prescription is needed. Then the state says, 'We say yes or we say no.'"
That would take time that this family simply doesn't have. The Craig's looked into other options, like disability. They were denied. They hired a lawyer and are hoping for a miracle.
"We just refuse to let him go anywhere. He's not going to leave us. Not for this. We're not giving up."
Local state Representative Chapin Rose (R) says the family is in a life-or-death situation.
Comments
I was denied SSD twice then got a lawyer (lawyers fees are capped so don't be afraid to get one!!!). 3 yrs later I got a hearing date. After ruling in my favor, it was another 9mos until a friend told me to write my state rep. Within a month I got a reply to my phone call & letter to Rep. Johnson's office. 3 Mo's after that I got three yrs worth of back payments and get a set amt every month (not enough to live on but it helps) and have medicare. FILE FOR SSD!! APPEAL!! GET A LAWYER!! MOST OF ALL don't give up!! I wish there was something we could do for you! Just know you & your husband are in our thoughts. Your situation is similar to what we went through. We really feel for you.
Rebecca M.
October 9, 2012 at 6:55 pm
