Need health insurance advice

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

It maybe too soon to ask for health insurance advice because God only knows what Donald Trump is doing. But here's my situation.

This year I'm 100% fortunate. I'm on permanent disability. But I'm on COBRA from my previous employer. This year only they are still making their contribution & I make mine. (Who knows why).

But starting 1/1/18 they stop making their contribution & my COBRA goes up to $550 a month.

The affordable health plan is just as expensive if not more because I need the best plan.

I see 9 doctors a month & have hospital visits. I'm on lots of prescriptions. So all those copays for doctors & prescriptions really add up just by themselves. Then add on the insurance premium. I'm going to be drowning.

My disability check is $50 dollars too high to qualify for government assistance - Medicaid & food stamps. So all my medical costs starting 1/1/18 will be over $1,000 a month.

How do people survive on disability? I wouldn't be on disability if I was healthy & didn't need doctors & medicine. Hence where do they think that money is to come from.

I saw something, but not sure, about disabled being able to apply for Medicare even though they're not 65.

Luckily I have 9 months to figure something out, but it's a big worry everyday.

Featured Answer

sjerin

7 years ago

Scott, with only a yes or no answer, can you combine or cut down on any of your doctors? Also, unless you get your meds at very low cost, try Costco for them, as they are usually the cheapest. I think you should have a chat with a social worker(?) found through your doctor's office, as to what you can do to make absolutely sure your coverage continues at a cost you can afford. These people have a lot of info.

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Comments (8)

cooper8828
7 years ago
I can't speak to what will happen with Medicaid and the marketplace with all the proposed changes. For Medicare, you are eligible at age 65, or 24 months after you begin receiving SS disability, or ASAP for certain conditions like renal failure and ALS. At least you are aware of when your current coverage will change. I work with so many people that wait until coverage has ended and then say "What happened?" Umm, it was explained on those 38 notices you received and threw in the trash without reading. :)
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lucillle
7 years ago

Check the date that you were awarded your disability. For many people it is significantly before the date that they received their first disability check, and so it may be that you will have near 24 months by 1/1/18

Medicare
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cooper8828
7 years ago
Yes, what Lucille said! Many times when you start getting Social Security for disability it is a long process to actually start receiving payment. It is 24 months from the date SSA considers your disability to have begun. The first payment may include a sizable back payment.
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User
Original Author
7 years ago
Ok, that's good news then! Thank you!
ldstarr
7 years ago
Keep perfect records for this entire year. You may be completely wrong about the type of coverage you need. Figure out exactly how much you're going to spend this year on co-pays etc for the various doctors and medications. Armed with this information, you can make a much more informed decision.

In my case, I'm actually money ahead to purchase a high deductible plan with a relatively low maximum out of pocket. The premium is so much less, that the premium savings plus the reduced co-pays etc actually cover all my expenses until I reach my maximum out of pocket. January is brutal each year, but absolutely every penny of everything is covered 100% for the remainder of the year. This year for example, my 1st PET/CT scan cost me $3700 and everything since then is 100% covered, provided I stay in network.
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wildchild2x2
7 years ago
You should be automatically enrolled in Medicare two years after you were awarded permanent disability. Once you are on Medicare they will take Medicare part B (around 120.00) from your monthly SSI check. Then you may meet income requirements to have the waived. You also may qualify for Medicaid at that time.
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Melba Way
5 years ago
These advice are useful to me as well.

Need health insurance advice

sjerin

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