This story shows how timely support, proper referrals, and persistence can make a crucial difference. It also highlights how important it is to have someone by your side in a complex system — someone who helps you not give up after the first refusal.

Oleksandr (name changed) lives in Kraków. He is a person living with HIV, has an officially recognized disability in Poland, and has long needed urgent joint replacement surgery. Delaying the procedure was dangerous: each month the pain increased, mobility worsened, and doctors warned that postponement could significantly affect the outcome. There was a real risk that the surgery might no longer bring the expected results, and his quality of life could deteriorate to the point where he might lose the ability to walk independently.

At the beginning of the year, before March 5, Oleksandr learned that he could not proceed with the planned surgery — the healthcare system did not recognize his UKR status as valid health insurance coverage. For a person with a disability and urgent medical needs, this was not just a bureaucratic issue but a serious threat to his health.
“When I was told I couldn’t have the surgery because of my status, it felt like complete hopelessness. I understood that if nothing changed now, it might soon be too late,” he says.

That’s when he reached out to Fundacja HelpNowHUB. A consultant assessed his situation and started exploring possible solutions. First, he was advised to contact the employment office, but he was refused there. The next step was to apply to MOPS as a low-income person with a disability. In such cases, individuals may qualify for both social support and state health insurance. Oleksandr went there on his own — and was refused again.

“After the second refusal, I felt like giving up. It seemed like the system was completely closed, and no one even wanted to understand my situation,” he says.

However, the story did not end with another “no.” With the support and guidance of Fundacja HelpNowHUB, he continued searching for a solution. During this time, he was also supported by a Polish man who explained that the refusal had been unjustified and accompanied him to the institution again. This time, the situation finally started to move forward.

As a result, Oleksandr received state health insurance, which allowed him to undergo surgery on one leg. He is currently in rehabilitation. The next stage of treatment is ahead — surgery on the second leg is planned in a few months. He is concerned about whether the insurance will remain valid, but now he knows he is not alone.

“For me, this was not just about paperwork or formalities. It was a chance to move normally again and live without constant fear that I might not be able to stand on my feet tomorrow. I am truly grateful for the support and for not being left alone with this problem.”

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This publication was prepared by Fundacją HelpNow HUBwithin the framework of the project “From heart to heart” in partnership with Fundacja Step by Step and Fundacja Res Humanae, with financial support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.