They might be able to get you on Medicaid.

Patient Services Incorporated may be able to help with co-payments if you have a qualifying illness

but I just went to the page for the CT insurance exchange and entered my data (which is similar to yours...low income, unemployed, except I'm 7 years younger) and I meet the income req for Medicaid...which means you probably meet the requirement in CT for Medicaid. You can't sign up until October.

http://www.accesshealthct.com/

There's also contact information on that page and they can probably direct you to state services which could help in the meanwhile.

I lived in CT to have that option.

It's almost impossible to obtain Medicaid assistance in Texas if you are single, without dependents and not disabled. I know because I'm in the same boat as you are and I'm a type-I diabetic that doesn't qualify for Medicaid.

My county has a medical assistance program that is providing insulin medications and other prescriptions (a neuropathy medication, cholesterol medication, kidney/blood pressure medication). They might also be able to refer you other agencies if you need medications such as those for depression (which is quite likely if you are part of the long-term unemployed). I'm saving over $500/month compared to paying the expenses out of pocket and my expensive medically related item is for glucose test strips.

I am also receiving regular evaluations and care from the medical clinic and surprisingly the quality of care is comparable to what I received from my private physician.

Most likely you will need to provide proof of income (your most recent tax return and if your unemployment benefits have expired then include the letter indicating that the payments have been terminated), ID for verification purposes, social security card, proof of residency (a bill or bank statement that shows you've been at the address for three months or longer) and a list of prescription medications that you are taking and their dosages/frequency of use (it may be easiest if you take the prescription bottles with you). Generally speaking, the income level for receiving benefits is around the $22,000 range and less. Typically it takes about 4-6 weeks to start receiving prescription medications.

Don't be ashamed that you are having to fall back on using social services. For the 2010 tax year, I paid over $16,000 in federal income tax since I was terminated near the end of the year and also received a large severance package. I also paid federal taxes in 2011 on my unemployment compensation while maintaining COBRA coverage since I didn't want to be uninsurable due to my pre-existing condition and was considered to be covered by ERISA.

Finally, do look at seeing if you can receive SNAP benefits for food and using the local food banks. It might ease your financial situation some.

If for some reason you need legal services, help paying utility bills or housing there may also be assistance available through your local human services office.

It's been a tough economy for years and a lot of intelligent people find that they can't get a job because they are considered over-qualified, particularly if you were employed in an IT or financial services job. And of course, finding a job within your field of interest becomes more difficult the longer that you are unemployed since employers have the misconception that you are lazy or unwilling to work. If a prospective employer does ask about any gaps in your resume, I would mention whether you are providing any health care services or relief for your mother.

Good luck with everything, try to keep a positive attitude and I hope that we can engage in some friendly competition to announce who found a job first! You are not alone.

Thanks for the responses! Very helpful and much appreciated!

Try dialing it, it should be like 911, but for social services, not 911 type emergencies.

They should be able to direct you to the best resources in your area. It's a service of United Way.

I think we do have 211 service.I've never used it before. Thanks again for the helpful advice. You have no idea how much of a help it is. I am off on Wednesday and I'll be spending my day making phone calls. Thanks again!!!