Can someone give me any ideas on what to do about my insurance situation now?
My COBRA coverage runs out in DECEMBER!
I'm in the middle of IV treatments.
I can't work, and haven't worked in two years.
My initial disability claim was denied, of course, and the appeal isn't until March.
Sooo.. I'm going to be out of coverage in December.
I don't think I qualify for Medicare b/c I have some money sitting in my account from the sale of my apartment (which $$ I'm now living on...), although - I'm not sure if sale of primary domicile counts as 'income'?
What do I do? Apply for individual coverage w/HMO? They tend to deny pre-existing conditions though...
Just go uncovered and pay for everything myself? (I'll be broke soon if I do that...).
Any ideas anyone? I'm not real savvy about this stuff, never had to worry about it before.
Any advice appreciated.
THANKS
Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :
Did you apply for SSDI or SSI? Medicare comes with SSDI and there's no income limit on whether or not you qualify.
SSI gets you Medicaid, but I don't think you would qualify for that if you had too much money sitting around.
Good luck!
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
There may be a 30-90 period where pre-exists cannot be treated.
However, if you have had no lapse in coverage, I don't think they can deny you treatment for Lyme.
I hope I am not wrong here. They can however, really jack up your insurance prices.
May want to call around and check with some private insurers, get a copy of their pre-exist
Conditions that they may or may not cover.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by Michelle M (Member # 7200) on :
BB,
Short-term insurance won't help since they exclude all pre-existing stuff.
I guarantee you from personal experience: don't waste time trying to buy a policy. It will not happen. End of that story.
Here is something to look into. Might cost you an arm or a leg, but it's about the best thing we've got going right now.
Individual insurance can deny whatever the heck they want. And, honestly, it's very unlikely you would be offered a policy if you are currently sick.
I would call your state or county health and human services department and see if there is guaranteed issue insurance in the state.
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
on www.lymeblog.com there is a section called asked the insurance guy.
hope he can help you.
Posted by BorreliaBrain (Member # 7603) on :
Wow. Thanks everyone. It does look grim for me re getting insurance coverage of this thing.
I applied for SSDI, because I had a good job before getting sick. But, if it comes through at all, it won't be at least until March. My doc estimates my IV meds will cost around $3000 / month. Ouch.
I will pay for it though, cuz right now it's working sooo well.
Michelle, you are awesome. And yes, I am still feeling quite a bit better. Yay!! But I don't live in California, I live in NY... so...
Hi Kam, I will go to ask the insurance guy now and see what happens. Thanks for the tips everyone.
Can one buy IV meds overseas in Canada? Anybody?
BB
Posted by Michelle M (Member # 7200) on :
BB; go to that site I posted anyway, and type in your state; it will take you to your state's high-risk pool, I think....!
Michelle
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
Unfortunately, NY does not appear to have a high risk pool. But do you qualify for this program?
Even if you don't, call them and see if they can point you in a direction to get insurance. It's also helpful to call your county because there might be something local resources.
Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :
Some drug companies have programs for people with low income to get meds at a discount. There's info in the Newbie Links.
Not sure if you'd qualify, but you should at least check it out.
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