Izgad is Aramaic for messenger or runner. We live in a world caught between secularism and religious fundamentalism. I am taking up my post, alongside many wiser souls, as a low ranking messenger boy in the fight to establish a third path. Along the way, I will be recommending a steady flow of good science fiction and fantasy in order to keep things entertaining. Welcome Aboard and Enjoy the Ride!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Izgad is Living in Poverty
Last May, while coming back from a Cirque De Soleil show, I was jumped by a group of youths, who attempted to rob me. I was knocked off of my bike and suffered a fractured clavicle otherwise known as a broken collarbone. I was taken to Riverside Methodist Hospital where I was given a shot of cortisone for the pain, an MRI to make sure I had not suffered any head injuries, a slink for my arm, and an icepack. I spent about three hours in the hospital before going to bed and teaching the next morning. Due to the wonders of our health care system, I got handed a bill for over $5000. I have been going through the hoops of my insurance company in order to get them to cover as much of this as possible. I also applied for aid under the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program.
A few days ago I received a letter from the Attorney General of Ohio, Marc Dann, that I was exempt from paying over $2000 worth of bills due to the fact that I live below the Federal poverty line. It seems that according to our government I am living in poverty due to the fact that I supported myself on under $10,000 last year. This is news to me I have never considered myself poor. I eat three meals a day. I regularly have meat in my diet. I have plenty of clothes and I even own two suits. I have a room to myself, which I pay about $400 a month for. I regularly purchase such luxury items as books, CDs, and DVDs. I am typing these words on a laptop which I purchased last year. I even have health insurance. I confess I do not own a car. I get around on my bike and the bus system. I will grant you that most people have more than I do. I have made certain lifestyle choices. I want to be a historian and I am willing to live on little in order to achieve this.
I certainly do not need any major government programs in order to help me. Could someone just fix the health care system? There is something off when a trip to the hospital that did not require any surgery costs over $5000.
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sorry...trying to pass the time while in an incredibly boring seminar given by Paychex...
I think I have always lived below the poverty line. My top pay was $18.50 and hour...yet that pushed me over into the 15% tax bracket. I never had a car payment, but student loans instead. I got a little break on car insurance when I was 25. Rent and food were huge expenses -- in that my rent ran about $850/month with nothing included and because of a long commute and attending shiurim like crazy, I ate out in kosher restaurants about 75% of the time (so $14 per dinner about?).
Thank G-d, when I had my accident, it was covered by my car and health insurance. The final damage for a 9-hour surgery to put me back together - $157,000. But I think the surgery itself was only $24,000. The rest of that was from the hospital stay (hospitals are more expensive than four star hotels...and the food is not nearly as good).
So I don't have medical bills; but I did lose 9 months of work. Now I am back in a lower tax bracket because I work part time at $11/hr. But due to the low cost of living, I'm pretty much enjoying the same lifestyle.
Who is rich? Those who are satisfied with their portion...
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