Martha Nash needs our help

Martha Nash needs help and is too embarrassed to ask.

In late September 2021, she was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. Three weeks later, on October 22, a shunt was implanted to drain the excess fluid placing pressure on her brain. This surgery corrected mobility problems and improved her dementia.

For those of you that were wondering where Martha went, the progressive dementia and personality changes caused by the hydrocephalus, resulted in Martha disappearing from friends and family. The dementia also contributed to a decline in job performance that forced her into early retirement. From 2019 until her surgery Martha was basically MIA. You are probably thinking, “great, she’s all better, so what does this have to do with me?” Please keep reading:

TAXES

Like many dementia patients, Martha’s finances went into complete disarray. She underreported income for her taxes and Covered California for the two years of 2020 and 2021. She must now begin the hard work of paying back the funds with penalties and interest. This is obviously becoming a hardship as she is currently retired and living off a fixed income. (See above about the dementia forcing her into early retirement).

MEDICAL EXPENSES

Martha’s health plan premiums increased by over 400% in 2022 due to her reporting the incorrect amounts. Her health plan was changed to increase her co-pays, her deductible, and her out-of-pocket limits. A 20% co-insurance was also added.

Due to the hydrocephalus, and other co-morbidities, Martha now finds herself regularly visiting a variety of health care professionals that she could not have budgeted for. She now must have expensive scans and procedures and see specialists who will follow her condition for the rest of her life. Post brain surgery, she has already suffered a related brain bleed and is still being treated for the cognitive problems.

Martha is making great strides in getting her life back on track. She would love to work to pay her taxes and medical expenses, but she may never work again. She needs enough money to pay her medical expenses until she is eligible for Medicare in 4 years.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

This is where we all come in! The last two years have created a perfect storm of isolation that had allowed Martha’s condition to be overlooked and misdiagnosed for as long as it was. Many of you lost touch with Martha, and a lot of us (like myself), chalked it up to the isolation and depression of this Global Covid event. We are now reaching out to let you know what has been happening, and how we can come to Martha’s aid. Please donate to helping her get on her feet and right her financial burden through 2022. We will provide ongoing updates about Martha’s health and wellbeing throughout the year.

Thank you in advance,

Rachel and Nancy