***???Health Insurance???***

RhondaH · 09-25-2007, 09:10 AM

Everyone,

A friend of mine who used to work with me lost her job here a year ago this past April and her COBRA is up the end of October. She had BC 4 years ago, has high blood pressure and diabetes and is unable to secure a health insurance policy (her current job doesn't offer health insurance, but she is more than willing to pay for it, just can't get it). Any suggestions? We live in Michigan. Thanks everyone.

Rhonda

Joe · 09-25-2007, 09:39 AM

Rhonda,
Have your friend call the Cancer Legal Resource Center. They are aware of all the insurance options available:

http://www.disabilityrightslegalcent...alresource.cfm

Regards
Joe

Believe51 · 09-25-2007, 10:09 AM

I am unsure how the Blue Cross plans work in your state but when we left Cobra, then the state, then NO insurance we explored all options available. First I would check with the American Cancer Society or as Joe suggested, the Cancer Legal Resource Center. They will be able to guide her well. If she has an advocate they could do the work for her or help with the phone numbers, if she does not have one she may want to think about getting someone to help. They are lifesavers with many areas of keeping her healthy and happy, with resources for so very much.

Blue Cross does have a plan that fits people with pre-existing conditions but they only have open enrollment for 4 weeks per year, if it is too late she will be ready for next year. It is a fairly nice plan and the costs are not too different from regular Blue Cross. Some areas in the country will go on a sliding scale.

Some of the drug companies she has for her conditions may also provide some help. One of the main problems we had was the high cost of Cobra & the lack of its coverage, it just was unfeasible for us. The drug companies can at least give her guidance of where to start on the path to finding coverage.

My best help in this particular situation was MY ADVOCATE!! I have a Nurse Advocate at our Cancer Hospital and one at the ACS. Both advocates helped me with the problem solving of getting some form of insurance back and many many other things.

I wish her good luck and I will now have another Sister to pray for. Give her a big hug and assure her that this too shall pass, it will work out. I will get the federal information about the Blue Cross Plan because if you do not mention the plan......they will never suggest it to you. Sneaky, Sneaky!!

Big Love Going Out To You Girl, I missed you so>>Believe51

sarah · 09-25-2007, 10:37 AM

Rhonda,
I feel terrible for your friend. It's bad enough being sick without worrying about health insurance. I feel lucky to be living in France where good health care is a right not a privilege. I hope your friend solves her insurance issue soon. I can't imagine a doctor or a hospital would turn away someone when they need treatment.
stay well
sarah

Ginagce · 10-02-2007, 12:54 PM

know how it works in Michigan Rhonda but here in Pennsylvania, the Breast & Cervical Prevention & Treatment program would cover her if she were still in any kind of treatment. Let's say she was on tamoxifen. She would be eligible for the program which is coverage for all health needs, not just the cancer treatment.

Agree with Joe, best bet is to contact the health law project in your state.

Good Luck to your friend, I went through the same thing.

Ginagce