Without health insurance (again)

[kevyn]

So, I've graduated from University, and the state has cut me off the health care teat.

If anything happens to me now, I'm totally screwed.

It's unlikely I'll be able to get decent (much less affordable) health coverage during the time I'm temping, especially with my myriad pre-existing conditions (major depression, sleep apnea, anemia, heart trouble, obesity, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and high blood pressure).

Basic Health, the State of Washington's health care plan for low-income people, banned me from coverage for a year after I couldn't pay the premiums last fall. I don't know if I can get back on there or not. Even if I can, the waiting list may be 6 months or longer.

I have enough anti-depressants to last the month, but after that, I'll be back to no meds.

I really like the CPAP for my sleep apnea, and it really helps, but it turns out Medicaid was only RENTING it for me, so it's likely I'll have to return it. That means the very thing that is helping me become more stable and energetic and able to work will be yanked out from under me.

The USA: Where health care is a for-profit industry. If you can't afford it, too bad, fuck you and DIE.

I fucking hate the United States of America. I really, really do. I am so very, very disgusted with the monster this country has become.

Comments

[snousle.livejournal.com]

Have you looked into COBRA continuation of your previous plan? I would suspect that your situation is temporary and you will find a permanent position with health benefits before too long if you get working on it.

In the meanwhile, if you need some assistance with getting coverage via COBRA or other means I can probably help out with a contribution. I have no idea of what it would cost but it would be useful to find out.

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

I looked into COBRA, and it is only for people leaving a job that has coverage. I haven't worked for an employer with health insurance since 2003, so I am not eligible that way, and I've had medicaid while I was in school, which also cannot be covered with COBRA. Ah well. It was a good idea, so thank you for suggesting it.

And thank you for the offer. It frankly surprised me, but I appreciate it. Unfortunately, it won't work.

[man-of-snows.livejournal.com]

The only way I could ever go back to school is if J's health plan covered me. I am a fortunate man. After thirty, being without health care scares the shit out of me. I went for years and years without coverage praying nothing would go wrong. I am one of the lucky few. My thoughts are with you.

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[bluebear2.livejournal.com]

The health care plan for low income people requires them to pay premiums? WTF.

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

It's a sliding scale, down to like $25 a month, but if you have no income, $25 is a lot of money. It sucks.