medicare disabled under 65

[samsash2100]

I am on medicare at age 45 due to terminal illness and treatment keeping me from work. I wanted to get a supplement (medigap) but was told that here in IL no companies sell to those under 65 since the law doesnt' require them to cover those under 65 and naturally we would be expensive to cover. I can't afford the bills medicare doesnt' pay  since I haven't worked for 3 yrs and only receive ss disability money each month. I had to pay myself around 30 k for COBRA for 2.5 yrs. before medicare kicked in.  What can I do about all the bills?

[Amir Mostafaie]

Dear samsash2100,

You need to find out if you qualify for Medicaid (which is based on your income). If you do, Medicaid could co-ordinate with Medicare & cover some of the costs. For Medicaid in your State, call 800-843-6154 or visit www.health.illinois.gov .

For help with your prescription medications, visit http://www.needymeds.com , which is an organization that helps people obtain medication at a lower or no cost, depending on their situation.

Sincerely,

Amir Mostafaie

[heart2heart2]

While you can not get supplemental coverage because of age, you can get an medicare advantage plan. I am in IL also and on medicare. There are two plans I know of in Cook county. One is with Aetna and one is with Humana. Each has several plans including a PPO and HMOs. For example, one is Aetna Golden Choice for $80 a month, you have to pay $10 co pay for your primary dr. visit, and $30 for specialists. There are co pays for  MRIs and other major tests but they are not bad at all!  They will also pick up some of the hospitalization deductable, so that you are not stuck with huge bills should you become hospitalized. You can also add to that a hospital indemnity plan (AARP offers one for $20 a month - for all ages) and that will also pay $100 or more for every day you are hospitalized plus $200 for outpatient surgery.

I don't know what county you're in but I'm sure each offers some kind of medicare Advantage plan you can get on. You can call Medicare and ask what plans are available in your county. You also have to call your doctor(s) and find out what plans they take.