Medicare Stories

January 11, 2020

Susan Flashman

Susan Flashman, 61, is a retired electrician. She worked for more than 25 years. In 2011, at age 57, she needed brain surgery due to a cyst that turned into a tumor. It took about a year of rehab to be somewhat functional once again. Her balance was permanently affected and she was unable to work.

Susan’s hospital bills alone were more than $100,000, and she lost her earnings. She was able to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2013 and now she is on Medicare. She has had several other surgeries since her initial one, which Medicare covered. Medicare has been a lifeline for her.

“I earned those benefits by working nearly all my life, so in no way do I feel like I am getting a handout,” said Susan.