Credit Card vs. Consumer

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I have a 90 year old mother who in the past year required increased home attendant care hours so she could remain in her aprtment vs. a nursing home. In order to get this, I got her involved with a program that provides this type of care and all essentail services. However, it is Medicaid driven, which means if her income is more than $725/month, she has to pay Medicad the excess (also called Medicaid Spenddown). Now with this $725, she is expected to pay her rent, utilities, food, clothing, etc. As it was explained to me, Medicaid does Inot care if you have to pay rent out of this. Since she's on Section 8, current rent is about $300/month. Because she receives Social Security and a Pension. She has to pay a Medicaid Surplus/Spenddown about $900/month. This is outrageous and of course I have hear her fussing and complaining about this constantly! I am sure I am not the only person in this position. I would like to know if there are any groups, persons, organizations, pro-bono lawyers, that are challenging this ruling so I can join in the fight? Please let me know and I welcomesuggestions and opinions. Thank you---
Frustrated Only child/daughter
New York City

Ms. Disgusted of NY 3:19AM April 25, 2008

Chase's rebuttal is NOT REASONABLE! If she can pay her bills why is it fair for Chase to raise the rate. No Way is this fair. Our lawmakers need to put an end to this. To Jimmy DaGeek of NY. Good for you! Perhaps when gas hits $7.00 a gallon you might just be forced to use your credit card and then perhaps you will have the pleasure of being screwed by Chase. Be careful what you brag about soon the luxuries you complain other have just might be the gas you put in your car. Another fine example of a VERY GREEDY business.

Paul Gee of NY 10:13PM April 24, 2008

25% interest used to be illegal in most states and still is. but the Supreme court in its wisdom ruled that credit card companies that house their business operation in states that have no limit ,or a high limit on interest rates can charge whatever the market will bear. The only way to reduce interest is to reduce spending which in some cases is like getting rid of an addiction. Almost all consumers have discretionary income. Use this to pay down debt. The only way to beat the banks and credit card companies is to reduce debt. This will have two effects, 1) Reduce interest charged and paid 2) Hit the credit card companies where it hurts by reducing their income, That will make them reduce their charges and fight each other for business and give their customers more favorable terms.
As consumers we have the power to change things. That power is the freedom of choice. We can choose to spend or not spend and if enough of us choose not to spend, the credit card companies will take notice and react accordingly. It us, the consumers that has the ability to change things, not the government or our elected officials. They are locked in,, bought and paid for. But the real power resides with us, if only we would use it.

Abby of NJ 12:55PM April 22, 2008

Chase's rebuttal seems to be reasonable, based on what you wrote. When it comes to money, people come up with all kinds of earnest excuses as to why it's not their fault that they are in debt. Of course, the best way not to have to deal with credit card problems is to simply not to carry a balance and to pay all bills on time. I wonder if I that's why I don't have these problems. I own two paid-for 10-year old cars and an affordable mortgage. I don't own a 50-inch plasma television. I don't go on extravagant vacations. I don't buy on credit, as a rule. I don't know and don't care what my credit card interest rate is. The old mantra of "buy now, pay later" has morphed into "buy now, pay always" as people think it is normal to keep a credit card balance and to always be making a car payment.

JimmyDaGeek of NY 9:47AM April 20, 2008