Not trying to cause a conflict here, but you do NOT need three years history or medical conditions that old to get approved here in CO. My card arrived last week for a condition that qualifies, but was only diagnosed in January 2009.

I have a legitimate illness with only 2 recent doctor's visits and I got approved, so this is from personal experience. I'm not spamming or promoting anyone, but I can refer the clinic that helped me if you send me a note, Jolly.

If you're not legal, yeah, as the others said - not much help anyone can give until your mom gets a card, but she should be able to get approved in 30 days or less, at least that was my experience.