Health Insurance - What do I do

LittleMissGreenEyes

DH carried our health insurance, since he's done at work, our insurance is done at the end of the month. I am so overwhelmed right now that I'm not even sure where to start. I'm almost positive we can't afford Kaiser any longer which really sucks because we just met with a great Pediatrician and I really wanted my OB/GYN to remain the same for post-baby care.

Any advice or resources on where to go with a newborn, a DH with severe asthma,  me being two and a half weeks postpartum and no income?

DownToEarthGirl

This sucks - I want you to just be able to relax and enjoy your little one!!!!

You can do Cobra, but it's really expensive - still have DH get the costs from your former employer.  My DH carried the health insurance for him and the boys privately in CO and it was only $240 per month (I can find the broker tonight after work and PM it to you).  I might add DH and the baby to one plan and then get a super high deductabile/low cost plan for yourself.  Adding a woman of child-bearing age is the expensive part - but the most recent health changes require even high deduct. plans to have a annual check-up and such for preventative care to be covered (I believe). 

Call around and talk with insurance brokers or sign-up online for quotes and you'll start getting a some calls from local brokers.   I signed up with Kaiser, Cigna, United, etc to get comparable quotes and costs. 

sara_c

We're self employed so we're 100% on the hook for our health insurance.  We've always used e-healthinsurance.com to find our insurance.  Easy to get costs and figure out exactly what you want.

 

todds_wife

Make appointments for you and Finn to see your docs at the end of the month, if they will let you even though it isn't quite time (for yours any way.)

Is DH eligible for Cobra?  It ain't cheap, but continuous coverage for pre-existing conditions is kind of important to have, so it might be worth it to try and crunch numbers about it.  Is he filing for unemployment? How is your savings situation?  (You do not have to answer any of this, obviously, I am just kind of "thinking out loud" about what we started looking at when Todd got laid off.)

I think someone mentioned contacting WIC, which I would do ASAP because (as I am sure you know) baby stuff is CHA CHING, and they can be awesome for that kind of stuff.  Freeing up any money you can will help with stuff like Insurance.

If DH takes any long term meds for his asthma, check the makers website, because they often have assistance programs that will allow him to keep taking his meds.

HUGE HUG.  It is beyond overwhelming, I know.  Just take it in little chunks, one piece at a time, work to find an answer to those - and remember we are all here to help however we can.

 

RoxBride

Find out every last bit of info you need on COBRA and do it fast. You want to make very sure you don't have a lapse in coverage, even an hour, because it can seriously complicate matters in all kinds of ways you can't imagine. Even if you can't get coverage lined up by the end of the month, try to at least pay for 1 month of COBRA.

I am so sorry you are in such a horrible position.

Also, consider looking at retail jobs that while they aren't glamorous, you can usually get some sort of insurance options that can make the pay a lot more attractive.

LittleMissGreenEyes

todds_wife:

Make appointments for you and Finn to see your docs at the end of the month, if they will let you even though it isn't quite time (for yours any way.)

Is DH eligible for Cobra?  It ain't cheap, but continuous coverage for pre-existing conditions is kind of important to have, so it might be worth it to try and crunch numbers about it.  Is he filing for unemployment? How is your savings situation?  (You do not have to answer any of this, obviously, I am just kind of "thinking out loud" about what we started looking at when Todd got laid off.)

I think someone mentioned contacting WIC, which I would do ASAP because (as I am sure you know) baby stuff is CHA CHING, and they can be awesome for that kind of stuff.  Freeing up any money you can will help with stuff like Insurance.

If DH takes any long term meds for his asthma, check the makers website, because they often have assistance programs that will allow him to keep taking his meds.

HUGE HUG.  It is beyond overwhelming, I know.  Just take it in little chunks, one piece at a time, work to find an answer to those - and remember we are all here to help however we can.

 

He will be filing for unemployment, we have to have some sort of income coming in. Our savings can get us through three months without any income, after that we will be solely living on what my business brings in which isn't enough to even pay the mortgage at this point.

I'm so hormonal and I swear I've been sobbing all morning. I am so incredibly angry right now I don't even know how to function.

ac*m*mg

RoxBride:

Find out every last bit of info you need on COBRA and do it fast. You want to make very sure you don't have a lapse in coverage, even an hour, because it can seriously complicate matters in all kinds of ways you can't imagine. Even if you can't get coverage lined up by the end of the month, try to at least pay for 1 month of COBRA.

I am so sorry you are in such a horrible position.

Also, consider looking at retail jobs that while they aren't glamorous, you can usually get some sort of insurance options that can make the pay a lot more attractive.

Along these lines, Starbucks offers insurance benefits to their part time employees. That'd be the first place I would look for a PT job.

ruby soho

There is definitely some kind of Colorado care plan that insures uninsured kids. I imagine with no income you would qualify for Medicare though. Seriously, take advantage of the help that is available to you during this time rather than spend the savings you do have on things you can get assistance with. 

v3ron

Colorado CHP coverage might be an option http://www.cchp.org/ - there are some eligibility requirements.

ilovedpp

I'd apply for Medicaid and CHP+ right away if you can. Sorry you are going through all of this.

http://www.cchp.org/ 

shanbrite2

I also just found this link on Kaiser's site:

https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/redirects/landingpages/continuingcoverage/in-colorado.htm

They give the various options for people in exactly your situation. It looks like if you don't qualify for CHP or Medicaid, they also have their own program for low income health insurance. I really, really hope you guys are able to figure it out and I'm so sorry that you have to deal with all of this.  

tra_la_la

I would look into chpp-child health plan plus. You probably cannot get it until feb or march because you still have a family income this month. They may even cover you through 6 weeks pp. I would also contact WIC because they can help you and F.

Hugs

Dragonflyer

We got a major medical policy through e-health insurance to cover us and well baby is covered. I would definitely look into chp+, it's a great program. I just enrolled the boys in a similar program here in California which is going to enable me to take them to the pedi anytime I feel like it which is nice. I think you have to be off employer sponsored health care for a certain length of time before you are eligible though.

Anyway, contact everybody and anybody right away for resources. 

RyanandManda

ac*m*mg:

RoxBride:

Find out every last bit of info you need on COBRA and do it fast. You want to make very sure you don't have a lapse in coverage, even an hour, because it can seriously complicate matters in all kinds of ways you can't imagine. Even if you can't get coverage lined up by the end of the month, try to at least pay for 1 month of COBRA.

I am so sorry you are in such a horrible position.

Also, consider looking at retail jobs that while they aren't glamorous, you can usually get some sort of insurance options that can make the pay a lot more attractive.

Along these lines, Starbucks offers insurance benefits to their part time employees. That'd be the first place I would look for a PT job.

this is why I tried to get a job at Starbucks...  they wouldn't hire me though, couldn't even get an interview! : ( 

RyanandManda

ilovedpp:

I'd apply for Medicaid and CHP+ right away if you can. Sorry you are going through all of this.

http://www.cchp.org/ 

This.  We qualify for CHP+ and it's been a godsend for us!  You can go to one of the presumptive eligibility sites (I did) and get coverage that starts the day after DH's coverage terminates.  FTR, my DH is not covered by this, it's just me, DD and unborn DD.  Your DH may qualify though. 

jack1421

Most Health insurance will give you the option to pay for coverage through monthly premiums rather than forcing you to make a single large, upfront payment. To decide which option is better, you'll need to carefully review the advantages versus the potential drawbacks in light of your personal circumstances. You can buy health insurance online and Depending on your financial situation, need for planning flexibility, and other factors, making the wrong choice can have long-term consequences.