Guest guest Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 oh WOW, Audrey - I sure wish I did ;-( Have you also gone through the support groups for EACH illness you have? at least for ideas... and how about your Federal and State senators and reps?? heck, even the presidential candidates... and the 'consumer helps' of local TV and radio stations? (they might offer help and they MIGHT decide to feature you? and then somebody might offer? Where you have already written so many previous letters, might not take all that long to get them all out.... I just reread your letter -- and you say you 'make too much'... aw shucks... That leads to 'spend down' which I am sure is the last thing you want to do. although quitting the job would be even worse -- but would get you the 'free care' GROAN! I read somewhere that at least some medical providers will negotiate, for not having to go through insurances. maybe bartering? maybe not I *think* that hospitals are obligated to take you as patient, even without insurance? and I think that if you check with them, they MIGHT have a program, including OP? and how about clinics? Here where I live there are a whole lot that have sliding scales... plus several local churches have set up free clinics I sure would think that Illinois would have some help!!! good luck! and I hope SOMEbody has a great idea! that WORKS! Jean From: Audrey Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 2:02 AM Subject: Health Insurance Hello Everyone:I'm in a desperate situation and I'm wondering how everyone in the group handles obating individual health insurance with pre-existing conditions.I have Sjogren's Syndrone, Fibromayglia and Osteo-Arthritis.My current polcy through COBRA will expire on 8-31-08. It cannot be extended because the company that I worked for had less than 20 employees so they follow State guidelines not Federal gudelines. The state (Illinois) will not allow COBRA to be extended longer than 9 months.I checked with my current insurance company Blue Cross/Blue Shield about the cost of a conversion policy the cost is $3,000.00 a month-NOT!I applied to AARP twice (once with AETNA and then United Healthcare) they both turned me down.I was approached by a group (Federation of Self Employed People) i think is the name of it. They would not insure me without my pre-existing conditions being excluded The premium for that is $500+ a month.I enlisted the services of a broker that works for the adminstrator of my present policy. He is nothing but a joke. I summitted an application along with a check to Blue Cross/Blue Shield on 6-11-08 and as of yesterday 8-15-08 I still don't have a decision from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I've gotten 2 letters from Blue Cross/Blue Shield stating the broker is not authorized to do business in Illinois. The broker says they are and they've solved the problem and my file is in underwriting. He also says there's nothing that he can do because he's at the underwriter's mercy. Meanwhile the clock is ticking.The state of Illinois has high risk insurance for people like me with pre-existing conditions. The premium is $838.00 a month which I can't afford.I don't qualify for Medicaid, I don't qualify for Medicare until 4-1-2010. I don't qualify for any assistance because I make more than 200 or 300% of the Federal Proverty Level.Any suggestions are welcome.Sorry for the long post Im just very frustratedAin't America grand! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 16, 2008 Report Share Posted August 16, 2008 oh WOW, Audrey - I sure wish I did ;-( Have you also gone through the support groups for EACH illness you have? at least for ideas... and how about your Federal and State senators and reps?? heck, even the presidential candidates... and the 'consumer helps' of local TV and radio stations? (they might offer help and they MIGHT decide to feature you? and then somebody might offer? Where you have already written so many previous letters, might not take all that long to get them all out.... I just reread your letter -- and you say you 'make too much'... aw shucks... That leads to 'spend down' which I am sure is the last thing you want to do. although quitting the job would be even worse -- but would get you the 'free care' GROAN! I read somewhere that at least some medical providers will negotiate, for not having to go through insurances. maybe bartering? maybe not I *think* that hospitals are obligated to take you as patient, even without insurance? and I think that if you check with them, they MIGHT have a program, including OP? and how about clinics? Here where I live there are a whole lot that have sliding scales... plus several local churches have set up free clinics I sure would think that Illinois would have some help!!! good luck! and I hope SOMEbody has a great idea! that WORKS! Jean From: Audrey Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 2:02 AM Subject: Health Insurance Hello Everyone:I'm in a desperate situation and I'm wondering how everyone in the group handles obating individual health insurance with pre-existing conditions.I have Sjogren's Syndrone, Fibromayglia and Osteo-Arthritis.My current polcy through COBRA will expire on 8-31-08. It cannot be extended because the company that I worked for had less than 20 employees so they follow State guidelines not Federal gudelines. The state (Illinois) will not allow COBRA to be extended longer than 9 months.I checked with my current insurance company Blue Cross/Blue Shield about the cost of a conversion policy the cost is $3,000.00 a month-NOT!I applied to AARP twice (once with AETNA and then United Healthcare) they both turned me down.I was approached by a group (Federation of Self Employed People) i think is the name of it. They would not insure me without my pre-existing conditions being excluded The premium for that is $500+ a month.I enlisted the services of a broker that works for the adminstrator of my present policy. He is nothing but a joke. I summitted an application along with a check to Blue Cross/Blue Shield on 6-11-08 and as of yesterday 8-15-08 I still don't have a decision from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I've gotten 2 letters from Blue Cross/Blue Shield stating the broker is not authorized to do business in Illinois. The broker says they are and they've solved the problem and my file is in underwriting. He also says there's nothing that he can do because he's at the underwriter's mercy. Meanwhile the clock is ticking.The state of Illinois has high risk insurance for people like me with pre-existing conditions. The premium is $838.00 a month which I can't afford.I don't qualify for Medicaid, I don't qualify for Medicare until 4-1-2010. I don't qualify for any assistance because I make more than 200 or 300% of the Federal Proverty Level.Any suggestions are welcome.Sorry for the long post Im just very frustratedAin't America grand! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 I DONT KNOW YOUR AGE BUT IF YOU GET A SLIP SIGNED BY YOUR DRS STATING YOU ARE UNABLE TO WORK ANYMORE;; YOU COULD SIGN UP FOR SS DISABILITY I HAVE SEVERE ARTHRITUS & FIBRO & A FEW OTHER AILMENTS;; I STARTED MINE WHEN I WAS 56;; HAD TO GET A DISABILITY LAWYER;; IT TOOK ME ABOUT 6MO;; THEN I GOT 6MO BACK PAY PLUS STARTED THE MONTHLY DISABILITY;; IM 70 NOW;; WHEN I TURNED 62 IT CHANGED OVER TO REG SS;; BUT MY PAYMENTS STAYED THE SAME;;JUST A THOUGHT FOR YOU;; IF YOU ARE ON DISABILITY YOU CAN GET MEDICARE;; & SOMETIMES MEDICADE;;IM IN MICH;; DONT KNOW WHAT ILL RULES ARE;; TAKE CARE HUGS DORT From: Audrey <a_grey@...>Subject: Health Insurance Date: Saturday, August 16, 2008, 2:02 AM Hello Everyone:I'm in a desperate situation and I'm wondering how everyone in the group handles obating individual health insurance with pre-existing conditions.I have Sjogren's Syndrone, Fibromayglia and Osteo-Arthritis.My current polcy through COBRA will expire on 8-31-08. It cannot be extended because the company that I worked for had less than 20 employees so they follow State guidelines not Federal gudelines. The state (Illinois) will not allow COBRA to be extended longer than 9 months.I checked with my current insurance company Blue Cross/Blue Shield about the cost of a conversion policy the cost is $3,000.00 a month-NOT!I applied to AARP twice (once with AETNA and then United Healthcare) they both turned me down.I was approached by a group (Federation of Self Employed People) i think is the name of it. They would not insure me without my pre-existing conditions being excluded The premium for that is $500+ a month.I enlisted the services of a broker that works for the adminstrator of my present policy. He is nothing but a joke. I summitted an application along with a check to Blue Cross/Blue Shield on 6-11-08 and as of yesterday 8-15-08 I still don't have a decision from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I've gotten 2 letters from Blue Cross/Blue Shield stating the broker is not authorized to do business in Illinois. The broker says they are and they've solved the problem and my file is in underwriting. He also says there's nothing that he can do because he's at the underwriter' s mercy. Meanwhile the clock is ticking.The state of Illinois has high risk insurance for people like me with pre-existing conditions. The premium is $838.00 a month which I can't afford.I don't qualify for Medicaid, I don't qualify for Medicare until 4-1-2010. I don't qualify for any assistance because I make more than 200 or 300% of the Federal Proverty Level.Any suggestions are welcome.Sorry for the long post Im just very frustratedAin't America grand! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Hello AudreySorry about being late with a reply but I'm only now catching up on email.  It does seem that this country requires you to work in order to have health insurance and once you can no longer work, the insurance companies take every reason to deny you coverage that they can.  You could try www.healthinsurance.com to find an insurance company but I think that unless you go with a high deductible or exclude the pre-existing conditions, the companies probably won't take you on.  I do know that some companies like Continental airlines will extend their group insurance to volunteer clerical help.  There's a lot of people there who work part-time in the office filing and making coffee just for the health insurance.  They also have a "significant other" policy so an employee can extend benefits to anyone that they wish to designate as a "significant other" rather than just allowing coverage's for spouse's and dependents.  There's not a lot of forward thinking companies in the world and they only have such programs when they're doing well enough to afford them but at least there are a few companies like this.   This entire health insurance only while you work concept is my biggest fear in the States ever since I was diagnosed with CHF, it's practical slavery and a lack of human compassion in my opinion, I've had to spend a fair bit of time on COBRA and the payments were more than many people's salaries would've been.  My own backup plan is to move back to Canada where the health insurance is about $70 a month if you can pay, free if you can't, it takes three months of residing there before the coverage kicks in.  A lot of people don't believe in government sponsored health care and prefer charity based support but I believe that government sponsored health care brings some dignity to those who need it most.Regards,On Aug 16, 2008, at 1:02 AM, Audrey wrote:Hello Everyone:I'm in a desperate situation and I'm wondering how everyone in the group handles obating individual health insurance with pre-existing conditions.I have Sjogren's Syndrone, Fibromayglia and Osteo-Arthritis.My current polcy through COBRA will expire on 8-31-08. It cannot be extended because the company that I worked for had less than 20 employees so they follow State guidelines not Federal gudelines. The state (Illinois) will not allow COBRA to be extended longer than 9 months.I checked with my current insurance company Blue Cross/Blue Shield about the cost of a conversion policy the cost is $3,000.00 a month-NOT!I applied to AARP twice (once with AETNA and then United Healthcare) they both turned me down.I was approached by a group (Federation of Self Employed People) i think is the name of it. They would not insure me without my pre-existing conditions being excluded The premium for that is $500+ a month.I enlisted the services of a broker that works for the adminstrator of my present policy. He is nothing but a joke. I summitted an application along with a check to Blue Cross/Blue Shield on 6-11-08 and as of yesterday 8-15-08 I still don't have a decision from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I've gotten 2 letters from Blue Cross/Blue Shield stating the broker is not authorized to do business in Illinois. The broker says they are and they've solved the problem and my file is in underwriting. He also says there's nothing that he can do because he's at the underwriter's mercy. Meanwhile the clock is ticking.The state of Illinois has high risk insurance for people like me with pre-existing conditions. The premium is $838.00 a month which I can't afford.I don't qualify for Medicaid, I don't qualify for Medicare until 4-1-2010. I don't qualify for any assistance because I make more than 200 or 300% of the Federal Proverty Level.Any suggestions are welcome.Sorry for the long post Im just very frustratedAin't America grand! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Hello AudreySorry about being late with a reply but I'm only now catching up on email.  It does seem that this country requires you to work in order to have health insurance and once you can no longer work, the insurance companies take every reason to deny you coverage that they can.  You could try www.healthinsurance.com to find an insurance company but I think that unless you go with a high deductible or exclude the pre-existing conditions, the companies probably won't take you on.  I do know that some companies like Continental airlines will extend their group insurance to volunteer clerical help.  There's a lot of people there who work part-time in the office filing and making coffee just for the health insurance.  They also have a "significant other" policy so an employee can extend benefits to anyone that they wish to designate as a "significant other" rather than just allowing coverage's for spouse's and dependents.  There's not a lot of forward thinking companies in the world and they only have such programs when they're doing well enough to afford them but at least there are a few companies like this.   This entire health insurance only while you work concept is my biggest fear in the States ever since I was diagnosed with CHF, it's practical slavery and a lack of human compassion in my opinion, I've had to spend a fair bit of time on COBRA and the payments were more than many people's salaries would've been.  My own backup plan is to move back to Canada where the health insurance is about $70 a month if you can pay, free if you can't, it takes three months of residing there before the coverage kicks in.  A lot of people don't believe in government sponsored health care and prefer charity based support but I believe that government sponsored health care brings some dignity to those who need it most.Regards,On Aug 16, 2008, at 1:02 AM, Audrey wrote:Hello Everyone:I'm in a desperate situation and I'm wondering how everyone in the group handles obating individual health insurance with pre-existing conditions.I have Sjogren's Syndrone, Fibromayglia and Osteo-Arthritis.My current polcy through COBRA will expire on 8-31-08. It cannot be extended because the company that I worked for had less than 20 employees so they follow State guidelines not Federal gudelines. The state (Illinois) will not allow COBRA to be extended longer than 9 months.I checked with my current insurance company Blue Cross/Blue Shield about the cost of a conversion policy the cost is $3,000.00 a month-NOT!I applied to AARP twice (once with AETNA and then United Healthcare) they both turned me down.I was approached by a group (Federation of Self Employed People) i think is the name of it. They would not insure me without my pre-existing conditions being excluded The premium for that is $500+ a month.I enlisted the services of a broker that works for the adminstrator of my present policy. He is nothing but a joke. I summitted an application along with a check to Blue Cross/Blue Shield on 6-11-08 and as of yesterday 8-15-08 I still don't have a decision from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I've gotten 2 letters from Blue Cross/Blue Shield stating the broker is not authorized to do business in Illinois. The broker says they are and they've solved the problem and my file is in underwriting. He also says there's nothing that he can do because he's at the underwriter's mercy. Meanwhile the clock is ticking.The state of Illinois has high risk insurance for people like me with pre-existing conditions. The premium is $838.00 a month which I can't afford.I don't qualify for Medicaid, I don't qualify for Medicare until 4-1-2010. I don't qualify for any assistance because I make more than 200 or 300% of the Federal Proverty Level.Any suggestions are welcome.Sorry for the long post Im just very frustratedAin't America grand! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Hello AudreySorry about being late with a reply but I'm only now catching up on email.  It does seem that this country requires you to work in order to have health insurance and once you can no longer work, the insurance companies take every reason to deny you coverage that they can.  You could try www.healthinsurance.com to find an insurance company but I think that unless you go with a high deductible or exclude the pre-existing conditions, the companies probably won't take you on.  I do know that some companies like Continental airlines will extend their group insurance to volunteer clerical help.  There's a lot of people there who work part-time in the office filing and making coffee just for the health insurance.  They also have a "significant other" policy so an employee can extend benefits to anyone that they wish to designate as a "significant other" rather than just allowing coverage's for spouse's and dependents.  There's not a lot of forward thinking companies in the world and they only have such programs when they're doing well enough to afford them but at least there are a few companies like this.   This entire health insurance only while you work concept is my biggest fear in the States ever since I was diagnosed with CHF, it's practical slavery and a lack of human compassion in my opinion, I've had to spend a fair bit of time on COBRA and the payments were more than many people's salaries would've been.  My own backup plan is to move back to Canada where the health insurance is about $70 a month if you can pay, free if you can't, it takes three months of residing there before the coverage kicks in.  A lot of people don't believe in government sponsored health care and prefer charity based support but I believe that government sponsored health care brings some dignity to those who need it most.Regards,On Aug 16, 2008, at 1:02 AM, Audrey wrote:Hello Everyone:I'm in a desperate situation and I'm wondering how everyone in the group handles obating individual health insurance with pre-existing conditions.I have Sjogren's Syndrone, Fibromayglia and Osteo-Arthritis.My current polcy through COBRA will expire on 8-31-08. It cannot be extended because the company that I worked for had less than 20 employees so they follow State guidelines not Federal gudelines. The state (Illinois) will not allow COBRA to be extended longer than 9 months.I checked with my current insurance company Blue Cross/Blue Shield about the cost of a conversion policy the cost is $3,000.00 a month-NOT!I applied to AARP twice (once with AETNA and then United Healthcare) they both turned me down.I was approached by a group (Federation of Self Employed People) i think is the name of it. They would not insure me without my pre-existing conditions being excluded The premium for that is $500+ a month.I enlisted the services of a broker that works for the adminstrator of my present policy. He is nothing but a joke. I summitted an application along with a check to Blue Cross/Blue Shield on 6-11-08 and as of yesterday 8-15-08 I still don't have a decision from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I've gotten 2 letters from Blue Cross/Blue Shield stating the broker is not authorized to do business in Illinois. The broker says they are and they've solved the problem and my file is in underwriting. He also says there's nothing that he can do because he's at the underwriter's mercy. Meanwhile the clock is ticking.The state of Illinois has high risk insurance for people like me with pre-existing conditions. The premium is $838.00 a month which I can't afford.I don't qualify for Medicaid, I don't qualify for Medicare until 4-1-2010. I don't qualify for any assistance because I make more than 200 or 300% of the Federal Proverty Level.Any suggestions are welcome.Sorry for the long post Im just very frustratedAin't America grand! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 Thank you both and B for responding to my post about my health insurance issues. I have exhausted all avenues and I have cosulted with the State of Illinois Dept of Insurance the only thing that I was qualified for is the high risk pool where the premium is very expensive. My husband and I decided to go that route for now. I'm standing on my faith that God will provide the money that I need to pay my premiums every month until I'm eligible for Medicarein 4-2010 or Obama becomes President and he changes this whole health insurance mess. I didn't qualify for any State of Illinois programs either because I am married and they take into account your spouses income and any assets that the 2 of you have. According to their quidelines my husband (who is also on Social Security Disability) and I (on Social Security Disability) make too much money. I wish I could move to Canada but I can't. My only choice is to vote for OBAMA he's the only one talking about health insurance and doing something about it for people like me. Audrey M Grey Lowry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 Thank you both and B for responding to my post about my health insurance issues. I have exhausted all avenues and I have cosulted with the State of Illinois Dept of Insurance the only thing that I was qualified for is the high risk pool where the premium is very expensive. My husband and I decided to go that route for now. I'm standing on my faith that God will provide the money that I need to pay my premiums every month until I'm eligible for Medicarein 4-2010 or Obama becomes President and he changes this whole health insurance mess. I didn't qualify for any State of Illinois programs either because I am married and they take into account your spouses income and any assets that the 2 of you have. According to their quidelines my husband (who is also on Social Security Disability) and I (on Social Security Disability) make too much money. I wish I could move to Canada but I can't. My only choice is to vote for OBAMA he's the only one talking about health insurance and doing something about it for people like me. Audrey M Grey Lowry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 Hello AudreyThey're always talking about privatizing the medical system in Canada so I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually change it to the American system, hopefully by then, there'll be something that works stateside.  Those earnings caps on the social assistance programs just discourages people from even trying, I blame the whole concept of "standardization" for this nonsense.  Used to be that there would be a person who could based on their judgement decide whether or not to provide assistance but our modern system is so concerned about abuse that they've reduced the process to a matter of numbers regardless of the impact of the arbitrary rules in place.  This is true of so much of our society, credit, education etc.  It seems that there's just no such thing as best judgement anymore.I think that Obama has a far weaker medical care program in mind than Clinton did.  Obama's program is just a compromise catering to the fools who believe in a "not them" concept.  The whole idea of requiring medical care to be mandatory for children but voluntary for adults just caters to such idiots.  Imagine if airlines said to put the oxygen mask on the child before putting them on yourself, you'll just end up with everyone passing out.  If the parents health fails, so will the child's future.  Allowing people to say "Well, I'm healthy so i'll take the risk simply undermines the whole concept of insurance and panders to the individuals ego as not only their own perception of their health is likely to be flawed but one's state of health can change very quickly.I remember reading a book called "Take Your Money and Run." that advocated a retirement plan where you essentially transferred all your assets over time to an off-shore company hence winding up owning nothing, but still living in a house owned by the "company", driving a car owned by the "company" and using a corporate credit card for expenses.  Of course, the plan required being able to divest yourself of any single countries taxation laws hence becoming a visitor to every country and not staying in any one country for more than four to six months a year.  It would be a lot harder for Americans or green card holders to follow this strategy as the US reserves the right to tax citizens and green card holders regardless of residency but the underlying premise was to become independent of any given country.  The book stated that many Carribean countries allowed the licensing of insurance companies with just $250,000 of assets, hence there was a set of "underground" insurance companies formed by retirees that had invested their money wisely who would then have their companies write the policies they wanted and sold the risk as commercial papers on the open market to the underwriters like Lloyds of London, some of these retirees then offered the "services" of their "insurance" companies selectively to friends and to individuals whom they believed would help minimize the risk.  Essentially it boiled down to a very high deductible insurance as any maintenance benefits would simply out of their "investment" anyways but the high dollar risks would be underwritten by the commercial papers.  Mind you, a premise of such options is to first become financially independent.  Still a good book though...Regards,On Sep 13, 2008, at 4:55 PM, AUDREY M GREY-LOWRY wrote:Thank you both and B for responding to my post about my health insurance issues.  I have exhausted all avenues and I have cosulted with the State of Illinois Dept of Insurance the only thing that I was qualified for is the high risk pool where the premium is very expensive. My husband and I decided to go that route for now. I'm standing on my faith that God will provide the money that I need to pay my premiums every month until I'm eligible for Medicarein 4-2010 or Obama becomes President and he changes this whole health insurance mess. I didn't qualify for any State of Illinois programs either because I am married and they take into account your spouses income and any assets that the 2 of you have. According to their quidelines my husband (who is also on Social Security Disability) and I (on Social Security Disability) make too much money. I wish I could move to Canada but I can't. My only choice is to vote for OBAMA he's the only one talking about health insurance and doing something about it for people like me. Audrey M Grey Lowry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 Hello AudreyThey're always talking about privatizing the medical system in Canada so I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually change it to the American system, hopefully by then, there'll be something that works stateside.  Those earnings caps on the social assistance programs just discourages people from even trying, I blame the whole concept of "standardization" for this nonsense.  Used to be that there would be a person who could based on their judgement decide whether or not to provide assistance but our modern system is so concerned about abuse that they've reduced the process to a matter of numbers regardless of the impact of the arbitrary rules in place.  This is true of so much of our society, credit, education etc.  It seems that there's just no such thing as best judgement anymore.I think that Obama has a far weaker medical care program in mind than Clinton did.  Obama's program is just a compromise catering to the fools who believe in a "not them" concept.  The whole idea of requiring medical care to be mandatory for children but voluntary for adults just caters to such idiots.  Imagine if airlines said to put the oxygen mask on the child before putting them on yourself, you'll just end up with everyone passing out.  If the parents health fails, so will the child's future.  Allowing people to say "Well, I'm healthy so i'll take the risk simply undermines the whole concept of insurance and panders to the individuals ego as not only their own perception of their health is likely to be flawed but one's state of health can change very quickly.I remember reading a book called "Take Your Money and Run." that advocated a retirement plan where you essentially transferred all your assets over time to an off-shore company hence winding up owning nothing, but still living in a house owned by the "company", driving a car owned by the "company" and using a corporate credit card for expenses.  Of course, the plan required being able to divest yourself of any single countries taxation laws hence becoming a visitor to every country and not staying in any one country for more than four to six months a year.  It would be a lot harder for Americans or green card holders to follow this strategy as the US reserves the right to tax citizens and green card holders regardless of residency but the underlying premise was to become independent of any given country.  The book stated that many Carribean countries allowed the licensing of insurance companies with just $250,000 of assets, hence there was a set of "underground" insurance companies formed by retirees that had invested their money wisely who would then have their companies write the policies they wanted and sold the risk as commercial papers on the open market to the underwriters like Lloyds of London, some of these retirees then offered the "services" of their "insurance" companies selectively to friends and to individuals whom they believed would help minimize the risk.  Essentially it boiled down to a very high deductible insurance as any maintenance benefits would simply out of their "investment" anyways but the high dollar risks would be underwritten by the commercial papers.  Mind you, a premise of such options is to first become financially independent.  Still a good book though...Regards,On Sep 13, 2008, at 4:55 PM, AUDREY M GREY-LOWRY wrote:Thank you both and B for responding to my post about my health insurance issues.  I have exhausted all avenues and I have cosulted with the State of Illinois Dept of Insurance the only thing that I was qualified for is the high risk pool where the premium is very expensive. My husband and I decided to go that route for now. I'm standing on my faith that God will provide the money that I need to pay my premiums every month until I'm eligible for Medicarein 4-2010 or Obama becomes President and he changes this whole health insurance mess. I didn't qualify for any State of Illinois programs either because I am married and they take into account your spouses income and any assets that the 2 of you have. According to their quidelines my husband (who is also on Social Security Disability) and I (on Social Security Disability) make too much money. I wish I could move to Canada but I can't. My only choice is to vote for OBAMA he's the only one talking about health insurance and doing something about it for people like me. Audrey M Grey Lowry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 I know of two things that insure individuals with pre-existing conditions: 1) IL Medicaid 2) ICHIP - Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Program - you can see this program on the web. It tends to be expensive. ________________________________ From: patrice607 <mitchpat@...> IPADDUnite Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 7:05:36 AM Subject: Health Insurance  My 23 year old (ASD) son is about to lose the health insurance we have thru my husband's work. They are exempt from the new law which requires them to insure dependents to age 26 because they are self-insured. His prospects for obtaining a job with benefits are poor. Any suggestions? ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 I know of two things that insure individuals with pre-existing conditions: 1) IL Medicaid 2) ICHIP - Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Program - you can see this program on the web. It tends to be expensive. ________________________________ From: patrice607 <mitchpat@...> IPADDUnite Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 7:05:36 AM Subject: Health Insurance  My 23 year old (ASD) son is about to lose the health insurance we have thru my husband's work. They are exempt from the new law which requires them to insure dependents to age 26 because they are self-insured. His prospects for obtaining a job with benefits are poor. Any suggestions? ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Sherri, You told me to ask you for your list of dos and don't for representative payees. Could you post it?I was wondering if we could use SSi funds to pay for dentists or therapists not covered by medicaid. Thais Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Sherri, You told me to ask you for your list of dos and don't for representative payees. Could you post it?I was wondering if we could use SSi funds to pay for dentists or therapists not covered by medicaid. Thais Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Apply for medicaid. We did that for Bob. Health Insurance My 23 year old (ASD) son is about to lose the health insurance we have thru my husband's work. They are exempt from the new law which requires them to insure dependents to age 26 because they are self-insured. His prospects for obtaining a job with benefits are poor. Any suggestions??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Apply for medicaid. We did that for Bob. Health Insurance My 23 year old (ASD) son is about to lose the health insurance we have thru my husband's work. They are exempt from the new law which requires them to insure dependents to age 26 because they are self-insured. His prospects for obtaining a job with benefits are poor. Any suggestions??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Could you clarify what you know and how you know it? Our insurance through employment (Aetna) covers dependent children to age 23 and qualified disabled dependent children without an age limit. Obviously, if the law required to age 26, the 23 doesn't make sense, but I think you meant age 26 for disabled children -- in which case Aetna is going beyond the required. Just checking facts in case I'm misunderstanding my coverage. > > My 23 year old (ASD) son is about to lose the health insurance we have thru my husband's work. They are exempt from the new law which requires them to insure dependents to age 26 because they are self-insured. His prospects for obtaining a job with benefits are poor. > > Any suggestions??? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Could you clarify what you know and how you know it? Our insurance through employment (Aetna) covers dependent children to age 23 and qualified disabled dependent children without an age limit. Obviously, if the law required to age 26, the 23 doesn't make sense, but I think you meant age 26 for disabled children -- in which case Aetna is going beyond the required. Just checking facts in case I'm misunderstanding my coverage. > > My 23 year old (ASD) son is about to lose the health insurance we have thru my husband's work. They are exempt from the new law which requires them to insure dependents to age 26 because they are self-insured. His prospects for obtaining a job with benefits are poor. > > Any suggestions??? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 If the company is self-insured, they can make an exception if they want to. Your son could be " grandfathered in " (covered because he's been covered by them for some time), yet they could keep this rule in place for new employees. My husband's employer changed insurance arrangements a year ago to be self-insured, the folks they hired to administer the program told the company HR that Neal should apply for Medicaid. I called HR and gave them a sweet talk about how Neal was so very employable, and that we didn't anticipate that he'd be on his father's plan much longer, and that if he got a job, that Medicaid would drop him even if the job's insurance hadn't started yet (I have to admit, I'm not totally sure if that is true, but I was on a roll), and the HR exec said, " Oh, we can grandfather him in. " -Gail From: Sherri Schneider <benefithelpss@...> Subject: Re: Health Insurance IPADDUnite Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 7:17 AM  I know of two things that insure individuals with pre-existing conditions: 1) IL Medicaid 2) ICHIP - Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Program - you can see this program on the web. It tends to be expensive. ____________ _________ _________ __ From: patrice607 <mitchpatcomcast (DOT) net> IPADDUnite@gro ups.com Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 7:05:36 AM Subject: Health Insurance  My 23 year old (ASD) son is about to lose the health insurance we have thru my husband's work. They are exempt from the new law which requires them to insure dependents to age 26 because they are self-insured. His prospects for obtaining a job with benefits are poor. Any suggestions? ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 If the company is self-insured, they can make an exception if they want to. Your son could be " grandfathered in " (covered because he's been covered by them for some time), yet they could keep this rule in place for new employees. My husband's employer changed insurance arrangements a year ago to be self-insured, the folks they hired to administer the program told the company HR that Neal should apply for Medicaid. I called HR and gave them a sweet talk about how Neal was so very employable, and that we didn't anticipate that he'd be on his father's plan much longer, and that if he got a job, that Medicaid would drop him even if the job's insurance hadn't started yet (I have to admit, I'm not totally sure if that is true, but I was on a roll), and the HR exec said, " Oh, we can grandfather him in. " -Gail From: Sherri Schneider <benefithelpss@...> Subject: Re: Health Insurance IPADDUnite Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 7:17 AM  I know of two things that insure individuals with pre-existing conditions: 1) IL Medicaid 2) ICHIP - Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Program - you can see this program on the web. It tends to be expensive. ____________ _________ _________ __ From: patrice607 <mitchpatcomcast (DOT) net> IPADDUnite@gro ups.com Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 7:05:36 AM Subject: Health Insurance  My 23 year old (ASD) son is about to lose the health insurance we have thru my husband's work. They are exempt from the new law which requires them to insure dependents to age 26 because they are self-insured. His prospects for obtaining a job with benefits are poor. Any suggestions? ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Is your son on Medicare?  If your child is employable but still has a low income he/she can apply for HBWD Health Benefits for Disabled Workers. They would have to pay a premium but they can work and get this Medicaid HBWD. It depends on your amount of income. My son pays about $81.00 a month. Also, up until I retired, my son was on my insurance as a class 1 dependent and still is but Medicare is his primary BCBS is a secondary and Medicaid (HBWD) is third. I am not sure this would work for you but is just a thought. Shirley From: Sherri Schneider <benefithelpss> Subject: Re: Health Insurance IPADDUnite@gro ups.com Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 7:17 AM  I know of two things that insure individuals with pre-existing conditions: 1) IL Medicaid 2) ICHIP - Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Program - you can see this program on the web. It tends to be expensive. ____________ _________ _________ __ From: patrice607 <mitchpatcomcast (DOT) net> IPADDUnite@gro ups.com Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 7:05:36 AM Subject: Health Insurance  My 23 year old (ASD) son is about to lose the health insurance we have thru my husband's work. They are exempt from the new law which requires them to insure dependents to age 26 because they are self-insured. His prospects for obtaining a job with benefits are poor. Any suggestions? ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Is your son on Medicare?  If your child is employable but still has a low income he/she can apply for HBWD Health Benefits for Disabled Workers. They would have to pay a premium but they can work and get this Medicaid HBWD. It depends on your amount of income. My son pays about $81.00 a month. Also, up until I retired, my son was on my insurance as a class 1 dependent and still is but Medicare is his primary BCBS is a secondary and Medicaid (HBWD) is third. I am not sure this would work for you but is just a thought. Shirley From: Sherri Schneider <benefithelpss> Subject: Re: Health Insurance IPADDUnite@gro ups.com Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 7:17 AM  I know of two things that insure individuals with pre-existing conditions: 1) IL Medicaid 2) ICHIP - Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Program - you can see this program on the web. It tends to be expensive. ____________ _________ _________ __ From: patrice607 <mitchpatcomcast (DOT) net> IPADDUnite@gro ups.com Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 7:05:36 AM Subject: Health Insurance  My 23 year old (ASD) son is about to lose the health insurance we have thru my husband's work. They are exempt from the new law which requires them to insure dependents to age 26 because they are self-insured. His prospects for obtaining a job with benefits are poor. Any suggestions? ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 You can check out the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities. Their website is: http://www.hbwdillinois.com/ From: patrice607 <mitchpat@...> Subject: Health Insurance IPADDUnite Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 7:05 AM  My 23 year old (ASD) son is about to lose the health insurance we have thru my husband's work. They are exempt from the new law which requires them to insure dependents to age 26 because they are self-insured. His prospects for obtaining a job with benefits are poor. Any suggestions? ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 You can check out the Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities. Their website is: http://www.hbwdillinois.com/ From: patrice607 <mitchpat@...> Subject: Health Insurance IPADDUnite Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 7:05 AM  My 23 year old (ASD) son is about to lose the health insurance we have thru my husband's work. They are exempt from the new law which requires them to insure dependents to age 26 because they are self-insured. His prospects for obtaining a job with benefits are poor. Any suggestions? ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 You absolutely can use SSI funds for your (adult) child's medical/dental bills not covered by Medicaid. Ellen - is it ok for me to post REP PAYEE DO'S & DON'T'S? ________________________________ From: THAIS PALLUAU <fpalluau@...> IPADDUnite Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 8:50:45 AM Subject: Re: Health Insurance  Sherri, You told me to ask you for your list of dos and don't for representative payees. Could you post it?I was wondering if we could use SSi funds to pay for dentists or therapists not covered by medicaid. Thais Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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