Help Robin Survive Diabetes

Hi there. I'm Robin. I have Diabetes, type II. In March of 2020, I was hospitalized with diabeticketoacidosis, or "high blood sugar." This means a blood glucose reading of over 600. I was going into Diabetic Coma, but I called 911. The doctors and nurses saved my life. 

Later that week, my endocrinologist gave me a new kind of insulin in addition to my once-a-day Lantus. Now I must take Humalog before every meal. As of March-April 2021, I have been taking expired Humalog and reusing old pen needles for the past month or so. (I soak them in alcohol. Diabetes needles are a part of the general expenses of being insulin-dependent.) There's not much else I can do. There's just not enough money to do otherwise. I think it's okay. 

Each pack of insulin pens costs almost $500. I just recently lost my health insurance because I couldn't afford it.

Although I am disabled with an arthritic spine in addition to Diabetes and clinical anxiety and depression (which I can afford to treat), I was turned down for Disability insurance once already, and right now, as I write this on March 30, the day before the eviction moratorium runs out, I received a letter from Covered California, the state healthcare exchange. Medi-Cal denied my claim for the most basic of healthcare for those under 65 years old who have no health insurance. This is devastating news. Absolutely devastating. The reason? "No income verification." Well, that's because I have no income.

In May 2019 my father died of smoke inhalation. He left me an insurance policy. It's been over a year and a half, and I have only a little money left to my name. I have a place to live through March, and I have food money, electricity, and gas. Enough for a few months before I can maybe get disability insurance or a desk job that won't injure my spine. The money is almost gone. And COVID is still with us. This is a very difficult time. I so appreciate all your help! I was hoping to announce that I had Medi-Cal, but I can't. Just today, March 30, 2021, I was denied Medi-Cal by covered California. This is identical to Medicaid everywhere else. As a diabetic, I am in danger. I have no hospitalization coverage. As far as insulin, I am exploring every avenue. Your help is most appreciated at this bleak time. I can't afford almost anything now, but especially not insulin.