Losing My Insurance..... Again

[ejpoeta]

My husband and I are on Family Health Plus in NY and have been for about a year I'd say. A few months ago we got a letter we were getting dumped and I had just gotten medicine for bipolar and wasn't sure if I should take it. Well, he got it straightened out and we were without insurance for the month of June. So I basically took one pill instead of two to stretch it out to last til July when I would be covered again.

The medicine stopped the mood swings of bipolar, but then I was depressed and angry all the time. So I went in to the doctor and she put me on ANOTHER medicine for depression. Two pills. I know at least one of them, both generics of whatever the meds are, is $99/mo without insurance. So I just now am starting to get to a point where I am not bursting into tears or trembling every time I leave the house. And we get a letter that we are losing our insurance.

Why? Well, we have always teetered at the top end of the cap for the insurance. And Bob has avoided any overtime for fear that would bump us over it. Mind you, overtime is not a regular thing. They don't want overtime and yet you end up with it. I am guessing it had to do with the two weeks of on call. Now he is $200 over the limit and we are dumped as of October 1st.

So what to do. Bob's brother has said I should apply for Disability because I have Depression and Bipolar. I have a hard time leaving the house even. I used to take the kids to the park and the library once a week every summer but this year.... we went once. I just couldn't do it. Not that I don't want to. I start shaking. I end up in tears. At the store getting groceries. Doesn't matter where.

Yes he has access to insurance through his work. It is expensive and has high deductibles. It's worse than when we had it when I was pregnant with Abby who is now going to be 2 next month. And with my meds we'd be screwed. Bob, his stuff is for high blood pressure and heartburn or something. $4 at walmart. I am sure there isn't a $4 equivalent for my prescription at walmart. Do I just stop taking it and give up? Do I TRY to apply for disability when I haven't even worked in over ten years. I mean, I have been a stay at home mom raising my kids.

[notadmblnd]

1. Apply

You can do it online at the Social security website. They will send you a package for the Dr. to fill out and then make a determination. Also, most of the time, people are refused the first time they apply to be prepared to be persistent.

[Le Taz Hot]

2. I'm sorry for your troubles.

There are currently over 50 million Americans without healthcare -- my husband and I are two of them. I know that doesn't make it any better, just know you're not alone and many of us can certainly feel empathy. :hug:

[ejpoeta]

4. I am just so tired of this. And I am sorry you are without healthcare.

I just don't understand how this system can even be SEEN as a good one. I have no problem paying into health insurance. But it seems the insurance companies only want young healthy people who never need the insurance and they want to make it so that no one can afford to use it even if they HAVE it. And the rest... the poor and those who are sick end up on the public insurance anyway via medicaid or medicare. It's insane. Why don't people see why Singlepayer would be better for all of us!!

[bluestate10]

6. Unfortunately.

If americans do get sick, it is isolated enough that there is no public demand for change to the system. So insurance companies can screw policy holders one at a time. I suggest that you get in touch with clinics that serve the poor. You may not be poor, but those clinics will know who you can call to get services that you have earned. Calling the insurance company would be a waste of your time.

[WCGreen]

3. My doctor was there right with me to help with the disability filing...

[Habibi]

5. Have you looked into a prescription discount program?

Here's one: http://www.nationalrxsaver.com/ It's free and you can print out a card right away.

I haven't used this one, but I do have a NYS Prescription Saver card. You have to be between 50-65 for that one, though. It's not perfect--there are still meds that cost a lot, even with the discount, but it's better than nothing. Another thought--since you live in WNY, have you considered trying to get your meds from Canada?

Best of luck to you. I'm on a Healthy NY plan and have to recertify every year; it's nerve-wracking, to say the least. Imagine having to try to make *less* money so you can retain your health insurance. What a country.

[Pooka Fey]

7. I'm so sorry.

4 of my siblings suffer from bi-polar. I just have intractable depression - lucky me.:P

It is really exhausting for the body to switch from going on and off the medication. Everything you can do to stay stable will help you get through this. Take your time, stay rested, and explore every avenue possible to get the help you need, but only as much as you can each day.

Remember to have fun with your family - that is a life-saver - picnics, cook-outs, walks out in nature, a night out at the pool hall, funny movies, ...I know you don't feel like it, but you'll feel better afterwards.

The system we have in the USA is morally repulsive, inhuman, - you shouldn't have to do any of this. In a just society, you would be allowed to concentrate on getting yourself well.

:grouphug:

[SheilaT]

8. Actually, if you have not worked in over ten years

you may not even be eligible for disability. But you can find out pretty quickly from the social security office.

I know I'm not, but I was out of the workforce for twenty-five years, and have only been back in it for about four years. I happen to be old enough now (63) that I could simply start collecting social security if I could not work.

And you might want to find out if there's actually a cheap version of your meds at WalMart. Maybe not, but don't just assume there isn't. Best of luck to you.

[mrmpa]

9. Try this website for discount drug program @ no cost

http://www.simplesavingscard.com/lp2/default.aspx

Mom uses this card for a med not covered by her insurance. The cost of the drug not using the card is $55, using the card the cost is $14. If you are a AAA member use that card, AAA has a discount drug program also.