Vonetta, age 47 is one of many Tennesseans who work every day uninsured. Although her income is under the federal poverty level, she is ineligible for TennCare under Tennessee’s restrictive eligibility rules.
Vonetta suffers from Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and neuropathy.
In the month of October 2021, Vonetta decided to go on a very well deserved girls’ trip with friends to the Florida beach.
While walking on the hot sandy beach Vonetta suffered severe blisters on her feet due to her diabetes and neuropathy.
Vonetta tried to get help for her feet by going to the health department and emergency room.
The Cookeville Health Department was able to design a walking boot for Vonetta that would allow her to work on her job and maintain her income. However, while departing the health department Vonetta tripped over her boot and fell and broke her fibula. This accident was life changing for Vonetta; she was admitted in the hospital and stayed for over a week.
While hospitalized, she was given therapy for her blistered feet. Diabetes complicates her wound healing and she still needs outpatient therapy from a Wound Care Clinic for her slow healing feet.
The hospital discharged Vonetta with a 6k hospital bill and no means to get continued outpatient therapy treatment.
She is not able to work. Vonetta had to move out of her apartment because she now has no income and is unable able to climb the steps to her apartment. Vonetta suffers from the thought that she is a burden to family and friends.
