june 17/ny times

[brownize]

please all readers/ check out jane brody , a health writer.today's column is most encouraging..get it from your computer.
brownize

[bohan54]

This is scary stuff.  Guess I'd better haul my sorry behind back to work asap.

[Tybear]

Thanks for the answers... I do have private insurance with my (old) job, but we don't have to pay a monthly fee for it. I didn't know that's how it worked in the U.S.
I'm not starting a debate about who has better healthcare - at this point I'm thinking both ways have their positives and negatives!
Trust me, as the one whose family is forking out the big bucks for chemo, I'm starting to question the way things are done here in Canada.
Take care,
Becky

[Jan214]

This is a link to most of the info you will need,  It has a map of the states and you just click on the map and it will tell you in pretty good detail your rights and protections for your state.  Although COBRA and HIPAA are both federal acts, states do have some leeway in how they carry out the provisions laid out in these acts.

http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net/

I don't use this often because I subscribe to several services, but it is a great site if you want answers to legal questions in plain english.  They manage to walk you through a LOT of legal issues and questions without all the legalese.  They have a fantastic Legal Dictionary that is better than Black's.  They also have a million free forms, but you want to be careful with those as most states, counties, districts etc have their own rules about forms.  In some counties the paper has to be a certain size, the margins a center indentation, headers have to be x amount of space down the page, etc., so....That is why lawyers have to take Criminal Procedure and Civil Procedure classes.  You learn nothing but how to get your papers into court basically.  Anyway, it can come in handy when you need to look up a legal term or get GENERAL information on just about any legal topic.  I say general in the sense that most are not state specific, but they are really detailed in their explanations and they cover just about every topic.  Did I mention that they are hysterically funny when they are not being serious?

http://www.lectlaw.com/

(The above is intended to be legal information only and should not be construed as legal advice)

[Teresa222]

I mentioned an article I read in a magazine in the above post.  Here is a little more information:  I would not hesitate to check into it and perhaps particpate in a program like this if I needed money for meds or treatment.  It is called Fifth Season Financial Corp. "Funding the fight of your life," is their slogan.  They advance up to 75% of the face value of your life insurance. (for when you need it most) The address is fifthseasonfinancial *******.  This seems to me to be comparable to a "reverse mortgage." I hope this will be of some help to anyone in need. It may be worth checking out.
Teresa

[Teresa222]

Unfortunately, after being dx with cancer, none of us can afford to be WITHOUT medical insurance. It's a Catch 22. My husband and I worked very hard to build up a retirement nest egg.  Over 50% a month is going for health issues. (including premiums)
TYBEAR: I read in a cancer magazine that there is a company now that will buy back your life insurance benefits if you are in dire need of money for medicine. Have you checked that out?
Teresa

[marie3B]

Premiums are the cost of the insurance to the policy holder.  Some employers pay the entire cost of the insurance premium, others have the emploee pay a portion.  If you get insurance on your own the premium is all your responsibility.  When I have to pay my portion starting in September it will be about $200 every 2 weeks out of my husband's check.  That may not be alot to some, but to us it is a fortune.  I am grateful the church we work for paid the price for a year for me. Marie

[momofsandj]

Premiums are what you pay out of pocket to the insurance company for the privilege of having any kind of insurance

[Tybear]

I don't mean to butt in on this conversation, but what exactly, are premiums?
Becky

[vegas2cr]

Hi Teresa I guess I should have been more clear.. I declined the coverage at that amount.. This was before my cancer and when I first applied for social security disability... I appreciate your advice.. I will NEVER go to the United States for treatment unless I am dying and there is a trial I could climb on....

After 2 years finally last month I am on medicare which I don't have supplemental because I only visit in the states.  I did opt for the part B which is 99.00 deducted from my check..

I thank G_d every day I am in Costa Rica... ie... today I went to the opthomologist.. she asked the last time I had an ultrasound of my eyes and an angiogram.. WHAT I said i never even heard of that...I have had type 1 diabetes for 44 years and even had laser surgery for diabetic retinopathy... NEVER did anyone tell me I needed these test... oh and the bottom line is they are FREE..... some parts of the socialized medicine here is great other parts well like my cancer not so... but......... all in all its good... R

[Teresa222]

Did you use the HIPPA's "guarantee issue" when you got the private insurance that is charging you $2456? Because it states they are NOT allowed to take a medical report from you unless you are on dialysis.  It states they can only charge you so much over the going rate.  You are being charged WAY over the average premium rate.  My rate will be about $1000 a month, which I welcome compared to not being able to get insurance.  Once your Medicare coverage kicks in, you will be in a good situation. We're going through that now with my husband who is also disabled.  Perhaps you should recheck your rates?
Teresa

[vegas2cr]

My cobra was $458. after that expired due to the fact that I have type 1 diabetes for over 44 years only one company would cover me... guess how much???   $2456. a MONTH..I had applied for and received approval for disability..I am on social security disability.. the UNited States government makes you wait 2 full year from being approved..for medicare to kick in..as they hope you will die before they have to pay outl... Then you need a supplemental which can cost over $250 a month.... NO ONE will take you.. while you are waiting... This was before I was diagnosed with cancer.... so again you have to be a millionaire to afford health insurance....

As you know I don't even live in the states and I still have $99.00 a month deducted from my social security check for part B... because I visit the states often... but I would still have one heck of a bill if G-d forbid i went down in the states...

End of rant...

[marie3B]

  Right now I am on my husbands insurance through his work.  The church he works for is also where I used to work.  They are paying my premiums for one year as a favor to me for my service in the past.  The year runs out in September and I will need to pay the premiums myself.  We will just try to stay afloat as long as possible.  If I could get just a little stronger I would try to work again. Marie

[Teresa222]

There is a Federal Law called "guaranteed issue" that states if a person is insured now and loses their insurance. (Cobra, company out of business, etc...) One may apply to get medical insurance and the company HAS to cover you under the "guaranteed issue" act/law. The premiums are higher, but they can NOT exclude you if you come to them within 60 days of being insured. I just used this to get medical insurance for myself with Blue Cross.  I am on COBRA now until August of this year. Google "guaranteed issue" and get the details.
Teresa

[marie3B]

Agree with Ronni.  I have insurance, but when it runs out or they dump me I will be sunk.  My friend's mom was on Medicaid and was given minimal care, if that. Marie

[vegas2cr]

Not to be sarcastic but unless Like John Edwards wife you have a ton of money or the best insurance none of this is available to most of us.   I have medicare and I don't even live in the states cause it covers garbage. I had to leave the country..Does anyone really think that millions of dollars spent on chronic cancer is available within reach to most?  Think Again...

How many go arounds of chemo do you think most of us can take.  I want to live more than anything in the world but not at the cost of leaving my family penniless and begging the government to help and I want quality..

This is my opinion and  I will stick to it.... Money buys healthcare not good health... without money you have neither...