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Jada

Jada contacted our office at the suggestion of the attorney representing her in her disability case. A CT-Scan had revealed a tumor on her kidney and a place on her lung. She needed surgery to remove the tumor on the kidney and biopsy it. Her doctor advised her that it was likely cancer.

At first, the doctor’s office told Jada that she would have to pay up front for the surgery because she does not have insurance. She is not able to work because of her health so she currently has no income. Jada, knowing that she likely had cancer, turned every stone to try to get the surgery she had to have. Finally, it was arranged for Jada to have surgery without having to pay for it in advance.

On April 7, 2006, the surgeon removed the tumor. It was malignant. Jada is waiting to find out what additional treatment she will require. In the meantime, she has thousands of dollars in unpaid medical bills that she has no way to pay.

Prior to the drastic cuts to TennCare, Jada would have likely been eligible for TennCare in two categories. Because she has no income and no resources and she is very sick, she would likely have qualified for the “extremely Medically Needy” category, also known as “Spend Down.” The state closed this category a year ago and has not reopened it. Additionally, she would likely have qualified as medically eligible in the adult TennCare Standard category, a category of TennCare that no longer exists as a result of the cuts last year.

Jada is obviously one of the “sickest of the sick.” Where does she turn for lifesaving health care?

Click here to read more stories of TJC clients and TennCare.