More woes

[Cricket]

My husband was laid off in April 2011, we got cobra insurance but it runs out Nov 1st.  Put in request to get it extended and found out it was denied.

Feel like I have been kicked in the gut. First to find out I have cancer now this!  Hopefully I will be able to get my chemo in before ins runs out!

My stomach is in knots!  I know that God has a plan, just wish He'd share it.
Wish I'd find out when chemo will start, still waiting for ins to ok it!
Just all getting to be to much
Cricket~

[Gayle]

Oh gosh! Cricket I am soooo sorry! States have ins but still expensive and have to be denied first... hugs...... breath... breath... saying prayers...

[Joe S.]

Call your Dr and see if you can get it pushed up.

In MNCare you can get a low cost state insurance that will cover your cancer care. You may check to see if their is something similar in your local. Here the hospital social worker knows of this option.

[Cricket]

Joe, already called dr office.  I do not have a social worker.

[iraisin]

So sorry Cricket, that is discouraging and I'm quite sure, difficult to swallow and deal with.

I didn't think that was legal anymore...to deny one insurance coverage, especially in a situation like yours.

My prayers are lifted for you.  (((hug)))

[Cricket]

Thank you Gayle and Iraisin, love you guys!

[Joe S.]

The hospitals are required to have social workers. The one at the hospital will help you, usually for no charge. Even the transitional care unit that I was in had one.

[Cricket]

I was not an in patient at the hospital; what do I do go there and ask for one?

[Joe S.]

yes. or call and ask

[Carolina]

Cricket, Medicare next year?  or the year after?   Hang in there girl!

I can't believe how inhumane our health care system is.

Health CARE is an oxymoron.

sigh

Keep us posted!

Hugs

Elaine

[sass]

Cricket- PM your state info and some info and let me see what I can do for you..we gotta find a way to work around this.  I am in the exact same situation you are in..so we are going to have to team up on this..  you know how to find me... I am so sorry.  We should not have to have health issues without someone out there actually caring that can actually want to do something for us...thank goodness we have this team here for support.  What a lucky thing to have a cyberworld of info that cares... . Know that I am still sending prayers for you.  And I am going to try to help you....Wish I were not stuck here in the hospital, but I can work from here if ole trusty rusty here won't quit on me now..was about to order me a new lap top, but another trip in here and may be a while now......~sass~  hang in there!

[artistangie]

Gosh I am so very sorry your world is upside down

[quietdynamics]

Cricket, you can call 211 from home. It is the national help hotline for all states and has a lot of resources... you just tell them your situation.

Cobra is very expensive, as is paying for insurance.

It would be educational for you and husband to go to Social Security; make an appt. You @ 62 can receive 1/2 of his benefit  and since he is unemployed (tricky part is you cannot have more than  a very low $$$ in liquid assets not including your home...maybe someone here knows) may be able to apply for medicaid.   Depends on your state. The 211 tel. number will give you local cancer help centers/advocates.

You and your husband need to become "squeaky wheels". If agencies do not know you exists they cannot help you...so spread your name like honey.

[irish]

Cricket, While you are working with the state offices trying to find out how to take care of this continue to check with the social worker at the hospital. Also, call your local public health office and ask for their social services department. Your taxes have helped pay these people's salaries over the years and you are able to get help from them.

The social services department may be able to fast track you to the right place for some information and help. Also, call one of the insurance offices in your town and ask for some information. If you call the Blue Cross/Blue Shield office you then ask them what kind of health insurance they offer for people in your position. You can also ask them for any information you can get on state sponsored health insurance, etc. Some states (like MN) have a health insurance pool that is mandatory for people who are uninsurable. Sometimes the cost can be prohibitive, but you don't know until you ask.

You may think that this sounds like a lot of work---it is, but that is what we have to do to make sure that we are provided for. Also, every time you call someone havae a notebook and write the date, your question asked, person you talked to and what their answer is. Keep the address and telephone number and the name of the business, state office, etc., that you called. This way you can't help but be slightly organized. Good luck. Irish

[Cricket]

Thanks everyone! I am going to get on it Monday morning.
You guys are great!
Cricket~