Let me start off by saying I truly believe EVERY single person should have healthcare insurance, NO EXCUSE! I don't think anyone needs a pre-existing condition or anything "WRONG" with them to think they need health care ( I say this, because before my husband met me he could care less about healthcare insurance and that blew me away---It is my life, I don't care that you are healthy, you should always be prepared).
Having said that...I don't know how survival is possible without health insurance having diabetes -LITERALLY! I still spend over $100 a month on diabetic supplies WITH insurance ( and we have pretty good coverage)-- imagine without! YIKES!
There was a time in my life where my insurance was unbelievably amazing. I was working in Arizona, and they covered 100% of my supplies. It was really hard when we moved and had to start paying for stuff. Such a shocker to the system.
Then, we found ourselves in job transitions ( and with this economy, of course something like that would happen), which means insurance transitions ( we were also in school, so that complicated things a bit). And if you are diabetic, transferring insurance coverage when you have a pre-existing condition feels almost impossible! That is a concept I never understood--Why people who have pre-existing conditions, the people who need insurance MORE THAN ANYONE who doesn't have a condition ( again, I still think everyone should have it as I first stated, it is just obvious that people with conditions will be using it) struggle to get it.
This topic is being debated among everyone; politicians, working class, everyone alike. No one seems to be able to find a solution to the problem...And even in this post I don't have a solution to offer. I don't think anything that has been presented to date has been working yet. Why have we always had the people who need it be the ones without it? Can someone answer that for me please?
Also, we are now moving states so my husband can start medical school. I will be at home with my children while he goes to school and the top concern is--you guessed it---HEALTH INSURANCE! We can get some through his school for an arm and a leg, and they don't even let us do office visits , just use the school hospital, and barely cover medical supplies. Almost feels better to not have insurance.
Then, there is the other catch, that if I go without insurance for more than 30 days, than I can't get ANY insurance to cover my diabetes ( sometimes there is a waiting period for like 18 months before you can be covered, again, WHAT IS THE POINT if you have to wait that long?)
Another option is doing Cobra from his work (which would cost over $1000 a month) and get minimal coverage in our new state and pay more out of pocket. Whatever route we decide NOT having Health Insurance is NOT and option.
So, we are at a crossroads. I am stressed in ways I have never felt before trying to figure this out ( not to mention having insurance to cover my children's well baby visits which his SCHOOL insurance won't do--they need insurance as well). I may have opened a can of worms by bringing this subject up, or also may have just frustrated myself more as there seems to be NO SOLUTION WHATSOEVER that anyone has come up with in the past (why would it be diff now). So, I would like to hear what someone else has to offer or say about it cause at this point--I GOT NOTHING!
Have you tried calling the LA department of health and human services? They may have some options for you since your income level (basing this on his student status) will most likely fall below the poverty line.
ReplyDeleteI ran into similar health insurance problems for a year and a half while my husband was doing contract work. I was diagnosed in 2007 with a chronic stomach condition that requires daily meds. We ended up on an indemnity plan but it wasn't great and I wouldn't recommend it. You can also contact your bishop and see if he knows of any resources. Your children might qualify for coverage under one of the plans listed at http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/page.asp?id=92&detail=7971
It's work a look-see if nothing else. In the meantime, I know just how you're feeling in regards to the health insurance with a pre-existing condition problem. I've been there.
I am almost positive that you and your children will qualify for Medicaid or one of it's programs (LaCHIP for the kids). It's different state to state, but almost all states have a eligibility requirements of 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The FY 2010 FPL for a family of four is around $28,000 a year. I suspect you won't have income this high with a husband in school full time. I don't know how loans figure into this, but they are typically not considered income. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie! This is LaShelle, Lori Patten's sister. :) Thanks for making this blog. It's great and a good source for me while I'm checking out getting a pump.
ReplyDeleteAbout the insurance thing, I grew up not having insurance my whole life. It's only been in the last year that I've had it. It is WONDERFUL!! I am not sure how my parents paid for it all while I was growing up. When I was older and doing it without insurance I just found the cheapest meters and strips I could (Reli-on meters at Wal-Mart are about $13 and you can get 100 strips for $40). Also, my doctor knew our situation (we had mentioned it to him before), so he would give me free sample vials when I went to appointments to help. Also, if you contact the companies that make the insulin you use and let them know your circumstance (or even just tell them how much you love their product and how loyal you've been) they have programs you can get involved with that give you discounted insulin and supplies. Once I got a card that I was able to use for up to 3 free vials of insulin. This may be a little late to help you since it's been like a month since you posted this, but hopefully it helps or hopefully you've found something even more helpful that's working. :)
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