Guest guest Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 Thanks Norm! I live in Washington DC, and I have had my health insurance covered at my company since I started in 1996. I currently have Aetna PPO, but previously had Aetna HMO and Kaiser (all with the same company). Yes, the company I work for accepts everyone who works there. I have only been HIV+ since 2005 though, so obviously this wasn't an issue when I started. On 6/13/07, Norm Stuart <ns02@...> wrote: Health insurance is regulated primarily at the state level, so the answer to your questions will depend entirely upon where you live. Under HIPAA, if you are currently covered by an employer or association group policy which accepts everyone who is a member of the group, you can avoid their up to 12 month exclusion for coverage for pre-existing conditions. This exclusion period is reduced by the number of days you had your previous group coverage -- but only if there has not been a gap of 63 days or more since your previous insurance / COBRA extension expired. This HIPAA provision does not force an insurance company to sell you individual health insurance or small group insurance for your company. If you forget to disclose a health problem on an insurance application, (an error or omission), the insurer can void your policy at any time during the first two years you have your policy. If you deliberately lie on your application, proven by your own admission, there is no time limit on their ability to later void your policy. > > Hi,> > I am considering leaving my current job, that includes health > insurance, and attempting to open my own business. Does anyone have any > recommendations for either getting health insurance as an individual or > as a business owner of a small company (4 employees maximum)?> > Also, a related question is, my understanding is that as long as you > have not had a break from health insurance, a new company cannot use > the " pre-existing condition " thing to prevent me from using it for HIV > related items such as doctor's visits and prescriptions. Is this true? > Can anyone add anything to this?> > Thanks in advance,> > .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 A couple of clarifications regarding 's advice. MIB (Medical Information Bureau) will only have information about your health if you have applied for individually underwritten health, life, or disability insurance within the past seven years. Most people with HIV have not applied for individually underwritten insurance because they know they would be turned down. I think anyone with HIV can pretty much assume they will get turned down for an indivividually underwritten policy. This is true even in California, where health insurers are prohibited from using the results of an HIV test to deny health insurance. They can still turn you down if your CD4 is abnormally low, or if you are taking antiviral medications or even being monitored regularly for HIV. A friend of mine who is an HIV- gay man was turned down for individual coverage recently, presumably because he had been treated for intestinal parasites. COBRA normally lasts only 18 months, unless you meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability during the 18 month COBRA period, in which case you are entitled to an 11 month extension of COBRA at 150% of the total premium paid by regular employees. , I would suggest you talk to an AIDS service organization or an insurance broker serving the gay community in Washington DC to find out what health insurance options might be available to you. Goldman <jgoldman@...> wrote: Anyone who has had private insurance claims in the past seven years can get a once a year free claim report from www.MIB.com (not Men In Black). Thus, you can see what is in YOUR file, make corrections if necessary, as one would do for a credit report; and, use the info that is accessible to new insurances to guide you in correctly matching a new policy application. Leaving a job should entitle you to COBRA benefits for, I believe 29 months at 105% of the total cost of your previous insurance share PLUS your company's share added in. Often, small businesses get a group umbrella policy through a larger entity, a professional association or chamber of commerce. This varies from state to state. Good luck with your new venture! Healthfully & Electronically, Goldman National HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline Manager 1-800-822-7422; 415-558-9051 Mon - Fri 10 am - 4 pm Pacific Time www.projectinform.org jgoldmanprojectinform (DOT) org 415.558.8669, x215 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 A couple of clarifications regarding 's advice. MIB (Medical Information Bureau) will only have information about your health if you have applied for individually underwritten health, life, or disability insurance within the past seven years. Most people with HIV have not applied for individually underwritten insurance because they know they would be turned down. I think anyone with HIV can pretty much assume they will get turned down for an indivividually underwritten policy. This is true even in California, where health insurers are prohibited from using the results of an HIV test to deny health insurance. They can still turn you down if your CD4 is abnormally low, or if you are taking antiviral medications or even being monitored regularly for HIV. A friend of mine who is an HIV- gay man was turned down for individual coverage recently, presumably because he had been treated for intestinal parasites. COBRA normally lasts only 18 months, unless you meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability during the 18 month COBRA period, in which case you are entitled to an 11 month extension of COBRA at 150% of the total premium paid by regular employees. , I would suggest you talk to an AIDS service organization or an insurance broker serving the gay community in Washington DC to find out what health insurance options might be available to you. Goldman <jgoldman@...> wrote: Anyone who has had private insurance claims in the past seven years can get a once a year free claim report from www.MIB.com (not Men In Black). Thus, you can see what is in YOUR file, make corrections if necessary, as one would do for a credit report; and, use the info that is accessible to new insurances to guide you in correctly matching a new policy application. Leaving a job should entitle you to COBRA benefits for, I believe 29 months at 105% of the total cost of your previous insurance share PLUS your company's share added in. Often, small businesses get a group umbrella policy through a larger entity, a professional association or chamber of commerce. This varies from state to state. Good luck with your new venture! Healthfully & Electronically, Goldman National HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline Manager 1-800-822-7422; 415-558-9051 Mon - Fri 10 am - 4 pm Pacific Time www.projectinform.org jgoldmanprojectinform (DOT) org 415.558.8669, x215 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 A couple of clarifications regarding 's advice. MIB (Medical Information Bureau) will only have information about your health if you have applied for individually underwritten health, life, or disability insurance within the past seven years. Most people with HIV have not applied for individually underwritten insurance because they know they would be turned down. I think anyone with HIV can pretty much assume they will get turned down for an indivividually underwritten policy. This is true even in California, where health insurers are prohibited from using the results of an HIV test to deny health insurance. They can still turn you down if your CD4 is abnormally low, or if you are taking antiviral medications or even being monitored regularly for HIV. A friend of mine who is an HIV- gay man was turned down for individual coverage recently, presumably because he had been treated for intestinal parasites. COBRA normally lasts only 18 months, unless you meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability during the 18 month COBRA period, in which case you are entitled to an 11 month extension of COBRA at 150% of the total premium paid by regular employees. , I would suggest you talk to an AIDS service organization or an insurance broker serving the gay community in Washington DC to find out what health insurance options might be available to you. Goldman <jgoldman@...> wrote: Anyone who has had private insurance claims in the past seven years can get a once a year free claim report from www.MIB.com (not Men In Black). Thus, you can see what is in YOUR file, make corrections if necessary, as one would do for a credit report; and, use the info that is accessible to new insurances to guide you in correctly matching a new policy application. Leaving a job should entitle you to COBRA benefits for, I believe 29 months at 105% of the total cost of your previous insurance share PLUS your company's share added in. Often, small businesses get a group umbrella policy through a larger entity, a professional association or chamber of commerce. This varies from state to state. Good luck with your new venture! Healthfully & Electronically, Goldman National HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline Manager 1-800-822-7422; 415-558-9051 Mon - Fri 10 am - 4 pm Pacific Time www.projectinform.org jgoldmanprojectinform (DOT) org 415.558.8669, x215 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2007 Report Share Posted June 13, 2007 A couple of clarifications regarding 's advice. MIB (Medical Information Bureau) will only have information about your health if you have applied for individually underwritten health, life, or disability insurance within the past seven years. Most people with HIV have not applied for individually underwritten insurance because they know they would be turned down. I think anyone with HIV can pretty much assume they will get turned down for an indivividually underwritten policy. This is true even in California, where health insurers are prohibited from using the results of an HIV test to deny health insurance. They can still turn you down if your CD4 is abnormally low, or if you are taking antiviral medications or even being monitored regularly for HIV. A friend of mine who is an HIV- gay man was turned down for individual coverage recently, presumably because he had been treated for intestinal parasites. COBRA normally lasts only 18 months, unless you meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability during the 18 month COBRA period, in which case you are entitled to an 11 month extension of COBRA at 150% of the total premium paid by regular employees. , I would suggest you talk to an AIDS service organization or an insurance broker serving the gay community in Washington DC to find out what health insurance options might be available to you. Goldman <jgoldman@...> wrote: Anyone who has had private insurance claims in the past seven years can get a once a year free claim report from www.MIB.com (not Men In Black). Thus, you can see what is in YOUR file, make corrections if necessary, as one would do for a credit report; and, use the info that is accessible to new insurances to guide you in correctly matching a new policy application. Leaving a job should entitle you to COBRA benefits for, I believe 29 months at 105% of the total cost of your previous insurance share PLUS your company's share added in. Often, small businesses get a group umbrella policy through a larger entity, a professional association or chamber of commerce. This varies from state to state. Good luck with your new venture! Healthfully & Electronically, Goldman National HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline Manager 1-800-822-7422; 415-558-9051 Mon - Fri 10 am - 4 pm Pacific Time www.projectinform.org jgoldmanprojectinform (DOT) org 415.558.8669, x215 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 Seemed like COBRA was not available when leaving job voluntarily but the Dept of Labor website confirms it is available. It also states COBRA is good for 18 months, although it can be extended under some circumstances. Also states it costs 102% of the total cost of the insurance. You can check at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.html. Wikipedia.org has a more references. In New York freelancersunion.org provides insurance for people who work for themselves or have a small business. Maybe there is something like that in DC or the city govt may provide assistance. Apparently HIPAA requires taking the COBRA option. There is more information at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/HealthInsReformforConsume/Downloads/protect.pd f. > > Anyone who has had private insurance claims in the past seven years can > get a once a year free claim report from www.MIB.com (not Men In Black). > Thus, you can see what is in YOUR file, make corrections if necessary, > as one would do for a credit report; and, use the info that is > accessible to new insurances to guide you in correctly matching a new > policy application. Leaving a job should entitle you to COBRA benefits > for, I believe 29 months at 105% of the total cost of your previous > insurance share PLUS your company's share added in. Often, small > businesses get a group umbrella policy through a larger entity, a > professional association or chamber of commerce. This varies from state > to state. Good luck with your new venture! > > Healthfully & Electronically, > > Goldman > > National HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline Manager > 1-800-822-7422; 415-558-9051 > Mon - Fri 10 am - 4 pm Pacific Time > www.projectinform.org <http://www.projectinform.org/> > jgoldman@... > 415.558.8669, x215 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 Seemed like COBRA was not available when leaving job voluntarily but the Dept of Labor website confirms it is available. It also states COBRA is good for 18 months, although it can be extended under some circumstances. Also states it costs 102% of the total cost of the insurance. You can check at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.html. Wikipedia.org has a more references. In New York freelancersunion.org provides insurance for people who work for themselves or have a small business. Maybe there is something like that in DC or the city govt may provide assistance. Apparently HIPAA requires taking the COBRA option. There is more information at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/HealthInsReformforConsume/Downloads/protect.pd f. > > Anyone who has had private insurance claims in the past seven years can > get a once a year free claim report from www.MIB.com (not Men In Black). > Thus, you can see what is in YOUR file, make corrections if necessary, > as one would do for a credit report; and, use the info that is > accessible to new insurances to guide you in correctly matching a new > policy application. Leaving a job should entitle you to COBRA benefits > for, I believe 29 months at 105% of the total cost of your previous > insurance share PLUS your company's share added in. Often, small > businesses get a group umbrella policy through a larger entity, a > professional association or chamber of commerce. This varies from state > to state. Good luck with your new venture! > > Healthfully & Electronically, > > Goldman > > National HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline Manager > 1-800-822-7422; 415-558-9051 > Mon - Fri 10 am - 4 pm Pacific Time > www.projectinform.org <http://www.projectinform.org/> > jgoldman@... > 415.558.8669, x215 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 Seemed like COBRA was not available when leaving job voluntarily but the Dept of Labor website confirms it is available. It also states COBRA is good for 18 months, although it can be extended under some circumstances. Also states it costs 102% of the total cost of the insurance. You can check at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.html. Wikipedia.org has a more references. In New York freelancersunion.org provides insurance for people who work for themselves or have a small business. Maybe there is something like that in DC or the city govt may provide assistance. Apparently HIPAA requires taking the COBRA option. There is more information at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/HealthInsReformforConsume/Downloads/protect.pd f. > > Anyone who has had private insurance claims in the past seven years can > get a once a year free claim report from www.MIB.com (not Men In Black). > Thus, you can see what is in YOUR file, make corrections if necessary, > as one would do for a credit report; and, use the info that is > accessible to new insurances to guide you in correctly matching a new > policy application. Leaving a job should entitle you to COBRA benefits > for, I believe 29 months at 105% of the total cost of your previous > insurance share PLUS your company's share added in. Often, small > businesses get a group umbrella policy through a larger entity, a > professional association or chamber of commerce. This varies from state > to state. Good luck with your new venture! > > Healthfully & Electronically, > > Goldman > > National HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline Manager > 1-800-822-7422; 415-558-9051 > Mon - Fri 10 am - 4 pm Pacific Time > www.projectinform.org <http://www.projectinform.org/> > jgoldman@... > 415.558.8669, x215 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 Seemed like COBRA was not available when leaving job voluntarily but the Dept of Labor website confirms it is available. It also states COBRA is good for 18 months, although it can be extended under some circumstances. Also states it costs 102% of the total cost of the insurance. You can check at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.html. Wikipedia.org has a more references. In New York freelancersunion.org provides insurance for people who work for themselves or have a small business. Maybe there is something like that in DC or the city govt may provide assistance. Apparently HIPAA requires taking the COBRA option. There is more information at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/HealthInsReformforConsume/Downloads/protect.pd f. > > Anyone who has had private insurance claims in the past seven years can > get a once a year free claim report from www.MIB.com (not Men In Black). > Thus, you can see what is in YOUR file, make corrections if necessary, > as one would do for a credit report; and, use the info that is > accessible to new insurances to guide you in correctly matching a new > policy application. Leaving a job should entitle you to COBRA benefits > for, I believe 29 months at 105% of the total cost of your previous > insurance share PLUS your company's share added in. Often, small > businesses get a group umbrella policy through a larger entity, a > professional association or chamber of commerce. This varies from state > to state. Good luck with your new venture! > > Healthfully & Electronically, > > Goldman > > National HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline Manager > 1-800-822-7422; 415-558-9051 > Mon - Fri 10 am - 4 pm Pacific Time > www.projectinform.org <http://www.projectinform.org/> > jgoldman@... > 415.558.8669, x215 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 Medicare and Medicaid will require the private insurance to pay first, before they pay, even if they allowed coverage under such a circumstance. They are both administered by the states, so maybe some states would accept being the secondary source of coverage, say if the initial plan is very flimsy. > > Can the government actually drop your government > health benefits if you are added into a 'domestic' gay > union health insurance policy? > > Drawback is the coverage is added as income on the W2 > tax form which you cannot claim since gays are > classified as ineligible family! > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 Medicare and Medicaid will require the private insurance to pay first, before they pay, even if they allowed coverage under such a circumstance. They are both administered by the states, so maybe some states would accept being the secondary source of coverage, say if the initial plan is very flimsy. > > Can the government actually drop your government > health benefits if you are added into a 'domestic' gay > union health insurance policy? > > Drawback is the coverage is added as income on the W2 > tax form which you cannot claim since gays are > classified as ineligible family! > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2007 Report Share Posted June 16, 2007 Medicare and Medicaid will require the private insurance to pay first, before they pay, even if they allowed coverage under such a circumstance. They are both administered by the states, so maybe some states would accept being the secondary source of coverage, say if the initial plan is very flimsy. > > Can the government actually drop your government > health benefits if you are added into a 'domestic' gay > union health insurance policy? > > Drawback is the coverage is added as income on the W2 > tax form which you cannot claim since gays are > classified as ineligible family! > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 Medicaid always is the payer of last resort, after Medicare and after any private health insurance. Medicare can be primary or secondary to (ie, pay first or after) private health insurance, depending on the circumstances, which can be pretty complicated and confusing. Some basic information about when Medicare is primary and when it is secondary is in the Medicare and You booklet mailed to Medicare beneficiaries each year. Medicare has a 40 page brochure that is available online about when it is primary and when it is secondary. http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Search/Results.asp?dest=NAV|Home|Search|Results|SearchCriteria & version=default & browser=IE|6|WinXP & pagelist=Home & Type=PubID & PubID=02179 & Language=English#TabTop The only kink of coverage you can't have when you have Medicare is COBRA coverage, as COBRA terminates when Medicare begins.egenagain <egenegis@...> wrote: Medicare and Medicaid will require the private insurance to pay first, before they pay, even if they allowed coverage under such a circumstance. They are both administered by the states, so maybe some states would accept being the secondary source of coverage, say if the initial plan is very flimsy. >> Can the government actually drop your government> health benefits if you are added into a 'domestic' gay> union health insurance policy?> > Drawback is the coverage is added as income on the W2> tax form which you cannot claim since gays are> classified as ineligible family!> > __________________________________________________> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 Medicaid always is the payer of last resort, after Medicare and after any private health insurance. Medicare can be primary or secondary to (ie, pay first or after) private health insurance, depending on the circumstances, which can be pretty complicated and confusing. Some basic information about when Medicare is primary and when it is secondary is in the Medicare and You booklet mailed to Medicare beneficiaries each year. Medicare has a 40 page brochure that is available online about when it is primary and when it is secondary. http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Search/Results.asp?dest=NAV|Home|Search|Results|SearchCriteria & version=default & browser=IE|6|WinXP & pagelist=Home & Type=PubID & PubID=02179 & Language=English#TabTop The only kink of coverage you can't have when you have Medicare is COBRA coverage, as COBRA terminates when Medicare begins.egenagain <egenegis@...> wrote: Medicare and Medicaid will require the private insurance to pay first, before they pay, even if they allowed coverage under such a circumstance. They are both administered by the states, so maybe some states would accept being the secondary source of coverage, say if the initial plan is very flimsy. >> Can the government actually drop your government> health benefits if you are added into a 'domestic' gay> union health insurance policy?> > Drawback is the coverage is added as income on the W2> tax form which you cannot claim since gays are> classified as ineligible family!> > __________________________________________________> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 4, 2007 Report Share Posted October 4, 2007 I haven't heard of the company, but the name is similar to a large insurance company called United Healthcare. They are probably not related, but just trying to use a similar name. I would ask for a copy of the policy and read it. There are probably significant exclusions and limitations, such as for pre-existing conditions (ie, HIV). There could also be caps on benefits that would make the plan useless to you. That price is lower than any individual plan I know of. The plan sounds too good to be true, which means it probably isn't a good plan. If you get a copy of the policy, I'd be happy to read it for you and advise you.james40008 <james40008@...> wrote: I am planning on make some job changes in the near future and waslooking for possible health insurance on the web. I submitted someinformation (including HIV positive status) and was offered healthinsurance from United Benefits of America for a very low price (lessthan $300 a month). Since I didn't need the insurance right now anddid not want to share any more personal information, I did not pursuethe policy and wasn't given all the details. Has anyone heardanything about this company. They did say they have frequentopen-enrollment periods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 4, 2007 Report Share Posted October 4, 2007 , Most major employers offer group isurance, which is cheaper than private. There will probably be pre-existing conditions clauses, but HIPPA laws say that if you've had previous insurance, they must apply this time to the pre-existing conditions time frame. So, if you are normally to wait 12 months, for instance for pre existing condition, and you had insurance just prior to this, say for 8 months, then you wait only 4 months for insurance. (Yes, medicare counts as insurance in this situation too, for those exploring coming off of SSD) Please go to http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/fshipaa.html to see more information, paying attention to the pre-existing conditions paragraphs. james40008 wrote: I am planning on make some job changes in the near future and waslooking for possible health insurance on the web. I submitted someinformation (including HIV positive status) and was offered healthinsurance from United Benefits of America for a very low price (lessthan $300 a month). Since I didn't need the insurance right now anddid not want to share any more personal information, I did not pursuethe policy and wasn't given all the details. Has anyone heardanything about this company. They did say they have frequentopen-enrollment periods. SEIZE THE DAY! ENJOY TODAY, SMELL THE ROSES AND HUG YOURSELF Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2007 Report Share Posted October 5, 2007 Hi,There is something you can buy that will give you discounts on doctor, hospital, dental, eye glasses. It is not insurance, but it can save you a lot. If you live in AZ, OK or PA maybe more states person below can help you with policy or can maybe help you find someone in your state to sell to you. There are no health exams and all pre-existing conditions are covered.This is my sister. She sells insurance and the discount plan for people who are uninsurable. Pegge K Tennant peggetennant@...If you want to look for something similar from someone else just do a search for "health discounts" on or google. B -- -----Original Message-----From: baker1346@...Sent: Fri, 05 Oct 2007 05:24:52 -0000 Subject: health insurance Whats does people on here do about health insurance I cant get because I am diabetic and have a lot of other health problems Free Online Photosharing - Share your photos online with your friends and family! Visit http://www.inbox.com/photosharing to find out more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2007 Report Share Posted October 5, 2007 Massachusetts at least sees to it that we all have health insurance. It used to be that you just appeared at the hospital ER when you didn't have insurance, and they had to treat you. Have you checked out your local hospitals to see if they offer free care for those without money? Or does your state? Or are you eligible for Medicare? or Medicaid (or whatever your area calls the program) You may have a social agency that would help you try to figure best way, like Family Health, or United Way. United Way here has a section called First Call (check your phone book), and can often offer good assistance for finding help. For seniors that could be through a group called SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs for Elders, I think). In Massachusetts we also have clinics which specialized in serving those who couldn't afford health insurance. You might look to see if there are those close enough. (As I said, now everyone here MUST must have health insurance, and it is made purchasable.) Massachusetts also has a prescription program to help pay for those expensive drugs. I see from some commercials that there are other programs that do that too, I forget what. A pharmacy might know them, or the local School of Pharmacy. Sometimes the specific drug company will also help. I was fortunate to have purchased health insurance while they were willing to cover me. Now that I am on Medicare, I also have the 'Medigap' policy that pays the other portions, and chose AARP as my carrier. Previously, when I had qualified for SSDI for two years, I also had Medicare as my (federal) health insurance. hope some of these ideas help Jean health insurance Whats does people on here do about health insurance I cant get because I am diabetic and have a lot of other health problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2007 Report Share Posted October 5, 2007 , I don’t know anything about United Benefits of America, but $300 a month is not that exceptional a price for health insurance. I have a sole proprietor plan in New York that costs $325 a month for a single person. It is issued by Oxford, a division of United Healthcare and is very inclusive. The problem with the plan is that the deductibles and copayments are rather high, for example there is a $2,000 deductible for hospitalizations and a 50% copay for brand name drugs (ouch!). Generic drugs, on the other hand, have only a $15 copay, and there’s no deductible for doctor visits. In New York, at least, pre-existing conditions have to be covered immediately if you have had previous health insurance within the last 63 days. Most people can’t qualify for the sole proprietor plans, which are a derivative of employer plans. I used to have an individual Oxford plan that was more than twice as much, although the deductibles and copays were very low ($5.00 for almost any drug, for example). Obviously, your best bet is to join your employer’s plan if it has one, especially since the employer usually pays most or all of the bill. However, you look at it, the current insurance system is an enormous burden for sick people and those paying for care. It stands in the way of quality health care. Here’s to national health insurance! Everybody pays, and when they get sick, which is inevitable, they draw from the fund. It’s the only thing that makes economic, as well as medical, sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2007 Report Share Posted October 5, 2007 > > Whats does people on here do about health insurance I cant get because > I am diabetic and have a lot of other health problems > Hi, I also have numerous health conditions, but am still paying for COBRA, since I was terminated from my employer just for being hurt on the job. I was employed by them for over 21+ years and was devastated. COBRA is extremely expensive and I will soon be forced to discontinue it; my suggestion (if you haven't already heard) is that there are government programs available either through the state or the county that you live in. You would most likely qualify, especially if you are low income. As for me, there is another program that I could transfer to, but my children wouldn't be covered; so, by the end of the year, I will be looking into it myself. I hope that helps ... take care of your sugar levels. optomistic08 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2007 Report Share Posted October 6, 2007 Hi, oh that is tough, even awful, that you were terminated after being hurt on the job. umm you did get that insurance payment (brain fag again) that companies have to buy for being hurt on the job? though I hear it's hard to get and not nearly enough... hopefully you can also find coverage for your children under some other umbrella from the state or the feds???? like Medicaid? or is that Massachusetts again. Jean Re: health insurance >> Whats does people on here do about health insurance I cant get because > I am diabetic and have a lot of other health problems>Hi, I also have numerous health conditions, but am still paying for COBRA, since I was terminated from my employer just for being hurt on the job. I was employed by them for over 21+ years and was devastated.COBRA is extremely expensive and I will soon be forced to discontinue it; my suggestion (if you haven't already heard) is that there are government programs available either through the state or the county that you live in. You would most likely qualify, especially if you are low income. As for me, there is another program that I could transfer to, but my children wouldn't be covered; so, by the end of the year, I will be looking into it myself.I hope that helps ... take care of your sugar levels.optomistic08 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2007 Report Share Posted October 7, 2007 > > hey everybody thanks for all the information on the health insurance it > has been a big help. > Damn I like this group! > The group has been pretty quiet to me. I wonder why I haven't been getting any messages even though I am set to " daily digest " . Candace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2007 Report Share Posted October 7, 2007 My daughter (an adult) was also taken off any kind of help " after " she was hospitilized for Post Partum Psychosis and has to be on meds probably the rest of her life. So then they gradually took everything away from her. Food stamps, then medicaid, and forget even trying to get on welfare, that was hopeless. She went from a very together assistant manager to this, and it has hurt her emotionally as well. We are now trying to get her on SSI but it took years to even find out 'how.' And we haven't succeeded yet, only know ya need a lawyer to get it. We've been paying some of her bills etc for two and half years now. I'm going to look at some of these posts about insurance and scripts. (At one point they told her she had to stay on her scripts of they'd take her child away but simultaneously took her off anything that could pay for her script. What the heck is going on, I dont know. Anyway... she has all the worked out now, and back to us working on SSI.) ~ Priitaa > > > > Whats does people on here do about health insurance I cant get > because > > I am diabetic and have a lot of other health problems > > > Hi, I also have numerous health conditions, but am still paying for > COBRA, since I was terminated from my employer just for being hurt on > the job. I was employed by them for over 21+ years and was devastated. > COBRA is extremely expensive and I will soon be forced to discontinue > it; my suggestion (if you haven't already heard) is that there are > government programs available either through the state or the county > that you live in. You would most likely qualify, especially if you are > low income. As for me, there is another program that I could transfer > to, but my children wouldn't be covered; so, by the end of the year, I > will be looking into it myself. > I hope that helps ... take care of your sugar levels. > optomistic08 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2007 Report Share Posted October 7, 2007 That's AWFUL!! I do NOT understand how some companies get away with such treatment. I am so sorry too that the post partum psychosis was so severe. I thought also that usually that was temporary because of getting readjusted to hormones?? I don't comprehend why they would take benefits away when/if she was clearly needy and eligible. I assume necessary forms were completed to keep her on... You folks do make me more and more aware how very fortunate I have been and how lucky I am to be in Massachusetts! Jean Re: health insurance My daughter (an adult) was also taken off any kind of help "after" shewas hospitilized for Post Partum Psychosis and has to be on medsprobably the rest of her life. So then they gradually took everythingaway from her. Food stamps, then medicaid, and forget even trying toget on welfare, that was hopeless. She went from a very togetherassistant manager to this, and it has hurt her emotionally as well. Weare now trying to get her on SSI but it took years to even find out'how.' And we haven't succeeded yet, only know ya need a lawyer to getit. We've been paying some of her bills etc for two and half yearsnow. I'm going to look at some of these posts about insurance andscripts. (At one point they told her she had to stay on her scripts ofthey'd take her child away but simultaneously took her off anythingthat could pay for her script. What the heck is going on, I dont know.Anyway... she has all the worked out now, and back to us working on SSI.) ~ Priitaa> >> > Whats does people on here do about health insurance I cant get > because > > I am diabetic and have a lot of other health problems> >> Hi, I also have numerous health conditions, but am still paying for > COBRA, since I was terminated from my employer just for being hurt on > the job. I was employed by them for over 21+ years and was devastated.> COBRA is extremely expensive and I will soon be forced to discontinue > it; my suggestion (if you haven't already heard) is that there are > government programs available either through the state or the county > that you live in. You would most likely qualify, especially if youare > low income. As for me, there is another program that I could transfer > to, but my children wouldn't be covered; so, by the end of theyear, I > will be looking into it myself.> I hope that helps ... take care of your sugar levels.> optomistic08> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2007 Report Share Posted October 8, 2007 Thanks! Tho I need to clarify, this wasn't even a company who did this to her, it was Medicaid and food stamps and welfare. Oh yes, at first she was well employed, an assistant manager. But when she got pregnant and had the baby, she stopped working. At first it was ok cuz she was on her ex's health insurance, but then they got a divorce, she got hospitalized for Post Partum Psychosis. In the hospital they had her fill out all the forms for medicaid etc, and everything (in that area anyhow) was flowing nice. Then over time they gradually took everything away from her, and she was not even employed! I don't understand it, being states away, but we ended up paying her main bills so that she would not end up on the streets! So we have not had much luck with Medicaid and I dont have a lot of good things to say about it. If it can't help the poor and the (very!) sick, then who they heck are they for? Anyway, we are trying to get her on SSI. It takes a lawyer to do that, not like we have tons of money! We think we found a cheap one, time will tell. Having a baby and her body going Post Partum on her (now bipolar affective) has been really hard on her. She went from assistant manager to someone who had trouble getting anything together! But that is part of this disease, and if she takes her meds, she can get things together. She is taking them now by the way. And has a part time job. Will she one day have a full time job? Maybe, but who knows if it will be permanent. This is what SSI is made for, but they make it so hard for these folks to get on! My own personal issue is, I studied tons of alternative ways to heal mental illness, and she won't take them. Part of this disease is something called " anosognosia " ... I think I spelled that right. Anyhow, it means the part of the brain that sees you are acting weird, is also broken. So they think they dont need medication. Not even natural. So in addition to worrying about her winding up in the streets due to not having cash to pay bills, I've also had to worry about her health. Initially when I heard my baby had this disease (my baby of course is an adult... but always my baby ) I scoured the net for alternatives, thinking I really wasn't going to find a thing. Surprise! I found quite a lot. And we put her on one of the products. It was expensive! But her own psychiatrist, who seems to downright ... dislike... any natural medicine, said she was a miracle, and that he had never seen anyone get better as she did. (!) But then she quit taking it, and IMHO natural stuff is going to take a good year to fully heal something this severe, and so she reverted back to her old condition. How frustrating to know how to fix your kid, and of something this serious yet by luck or God you find the solution, and she wont do it. Yes, part of the disease for her to think like that, but sometimes I just need to express my frustration. I swear, if one person in the family gets this disease, even if they live far away, the whole family gets some degree of it as well. Well, there ya go. Thanks for loaning an ear. ~ Priitaa > > > > > > Whats does people on here do about health insurance I cant get > > because > > > I am diabetic and have a lot of other health problems > > > > > Hi, I also have numerous health conditions, but am still paying for > > COBRA, since I was terminated from my employer just for being hurt on > > the job. I was employed by them for over 21+ years and was devastated. > > COBRA is extremely expensive and I will soon be forced to discontinue > > it; my suggestion (if you haven't already heard) is that there are > > government programs available either through the state or the county > > that you live in. You would most likely qualify, especially if you > are > > low income. As for me, there is another program that I could transfer > > to, but my children wouldn't be covered; so, by the end of the > year, I > > will be looking into it myself. > > I hope that helps ... take care of your sugar levels. > > optomistic08 > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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