Insurance drama

AnneBehymer
AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
edited August 2011 in Ovarian Cancer #1
On Wednesday I finally went in and quit my job it was hard to do but I knew I could not work while I was fighting this battle. I worked for five years as a house manager for adults with mental handdicapps. I loved my job and the four ladies that I took care of. Before quiting I applied online for our state health insurance I called the access office and asked what all I needed to bring with me it took a week and a half but I got everything together. So on Thursday I went to the office and told them I was there to sign up for access. The lady behind the desk said I am sorry but our govenor passed a law in July stating if you do not have a child living at home with you then you can not get access. I was blown away I explained that I was on chemo and could not miss a treatment that this was my life they were messing with. She explained that she understood but her hands were tide and I was not going to be able to get access. So now I have to pay for cobra which is almost 500 a month and I only receive that for four more months. I love how people with money who don't need any help deceided what people like me should have. sorry just had to vent

Anne

correction to first post I only have four more months of short term disibility then will have to see if I could get social security

Comments

  • clamryn
    clamryn Member Posts: 508
    #2
    Insurance
    Hi Anne, I am so sorry that you are facing all of this. It is hard enough to deal with our disease, let alone the battles with the insurance company. I do have a question for you. I don't understand why you would only get 4 more months of COBRA when you just quit your job. COBRA will last 18 months. If you apply for SS Disability and receive it, the COBRA will extend 11 more months, giving you a total of 29 months. This would take you to being on medicare. Of course, I know that the COBRA is very expensive. I struggled through the whole process to continue with it.

    I totally agree with you about those that control and make decisions on who gets what. Let them walk in our shoes for a while and see what their outlook is.

    I am praying for you that everything will work out.

    Linda
  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #3
    clamryn said:

    Insurance
    Hi Anne, I am so sorry that you are facing all of this. It is hard enough to deal with our disease, let alone the battles with the insurance company. I do have a question for you. I don't understand why you would only get 4 more months of COBRA when you just quit your job. COBRA will last 18 months. If you apply for SS Disability and receive it, the COBRA will extend 11 more months, giving you a total of 29 months. This would take you to being on medicare. Of course, I know that the COBRA is very expensive. I struggled through the whole process to continue with it.

    I totally agree with you about those that control and make decisions on who gets what. Let them walk in our shoes for a while and see what their outlook is.

    I am praying for you that everything will work out.

    Linda

    I ment to say I only get
    I ment to say I only get four more months of short term disability through work Yes I do get 18 months of Cobra. thank you for your prays and surpport

    Anne
  • wfisaac
    wfisaac Member Posts: 60
    #4
    Hi Anne, I'm sorry you are
    Hi Anne, I'm sorry you are having to deal with the frustration of this. I have been doing a lot of research right now because I am feeling like I really need to get on disability. I read on the ovariancancer.org site that the rules have recently changed for the better in the process of someone with ovarian cancer getting on disability. The last paragraph of the page states: "Women with any stage ovarian cancer may qualify for disability, and women with Stage III or IV ovarian cancer automatically qualify based on the new rules." I just thought I would share that because I have heard a lot of stories about how hard it is for a lot of people to get disability but after reading this it kind of encouraged me a little.
  • wfisaac
    wfisaac Member Posts: 60
    #5
    Hi Anne, I'm sorry you are
    Hi Anne, I'm sorry you are having to deal with the frustration of this. I have been doing a lot of research right now because I am feeling like I really need to get on disability. I read on the ovariancancer.org site that the rules have recently changed for the better in the process of someone with ovarian cancer getting on disability. The last paragraph of the page states: "Women with any stage ovarian cancer may qualify for disability, and women with Stage III or IV ovarian cancer automatically qualify based on the new rules." I just thought I would share that because I have heard a lot of stories about how hard it is for a lot of people to get disability but after reading this it kind of encouraged me a little.
  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #6
    wfisaac said:

    Hi Anne, I'm sorry you are
    Hi Anne, I'm sorry you are having to deal with the frustration of this. I have been doing a lot of research right now because I am feeling like I really need to get on disability. I read on the ovariancancer.org site that the rules have recently changed for the better in the process of someone with ovarian cancer getting on disability. The last paragraph of the page states: "Women with any stage ovarian cancer may qualify for disability, and women with Stage III or IV ovarian cancer automatically qualify based on the new rules." I just thought I would share that because I have heard a lot of stories about how hard it is for a lot of people to get disability but after reading this it kind of encouraged me a little.

    that is encouraging thanks
    that is encouraging thanks for the infor. Here in az I have to be out of work for 5 months before appling for disability I have two months left. I think they wait that 5 months in hopes that you don't make it.

    Anne
  • mom2greatkids
    mom2greatkids Member Posts: 528
    #7
    wfisaac said:

    Hi Anne, I'm sorry you are
    Hi Anne, I'm sorry you are having to deal with the frustration of this. I have been doing a lot of research right now because I am feeling like I really need to get on disability. I read on the ovariancancer.org site that the rules have recently changed for the better in the process of someone with ovarian cancer getting on disability. The last paragraph of the page states: "Women with any stage ovarian cancer may qualify for disability, and women with Stage III or IV ovarian cancer automatically qualify based on the new rules." I just thought I would share that because I have heard a lot of stories about how hard it is for a lot of people to get disability but after reading this it kind of encouraged me a little.

    I was recently turned down
    I was recently turned down for disability because I have not paid in enough quarters the past ten years. They said I would have to be 50 to draw widow's disability off of my husband's S.S. I am stage 3c. Someone suggested that I obtain an attorney. Any advice? Thanks, Carla
  • wfisaac
    wfisaac Member Posts: 60
    #8
    mom2greatkids said:

    I was recently turned down
    I was recently turned down for disability because I have not paid in enough quarters the past ten years. They said I would have to be 50 to draw widow's disability off of my husband's S.S. I am stage 3c. Someone suggested that I obtain an attorney. Any advice? Thanks, Carla

    That really stinks, Carla.
    That really stinks, Carla. I understand they need to have guidelines so that people don't abuse the system but sometimes it's so frustrating when you see people who really need it have such a battle getting the help they need.

    I have also been told that getting an attorney usually increases your chance of getting approved. There still is so much I need to learn. If I find anything I think is useful I will be sure to share.
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #9
    mom2greatkids said:

    I was recently turned down
    I was recently turned down for disability because I have not paid in enough quarters the past ten years. They said I would have to be 50 to draw widow's disability off of my husband's S.S. I am stage 3c. Someone suggested that I obtain an attorney. Any advice? Thanks, Carla

    Unfortunately, Carla, an
    Unfortunately, Carla, an attorney will not be able to help in this situation because the age limits and quarters worked are pretty much carved in stone.

    Attorneys are only helpful when you are deemed to be NOT disabled, which in your case, would be a given, at stage IIIc. How long until you turn 50?

    Carlene
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    #10
    Hissy_Fitz said:

    Unfortunately, Carla, an
    Unfortunately, Carla, an attorney will not be able to help in this situation because the age limits and quarters worked are pretty much carved in stone.

    Attorneys are only helpful when you are deemed to be NOT disabled, which in your case, would be a given, at stage IIIc. How long until you turn 50?

    Carlene

    Apply for disability now
    Dear Anne

    Don't wait to apply for social security disability. It takes four months to get your first check even if you are approved immediately. Ovarian cancer + malignant ascites = immediate approval for disability. This is not welfare but the insurance that you paid into while you were working.
  • mom2greatkids
    mom2greatkids Member Posts: 528
    #11
    Hissy_Fitz said:

    Unfortunately, Carla, an
    Unfortunately, Carla, an attorney will not be able to help in this situation because the age limits and quarters worked are pretty much carved in stone.

    Attorneys are only helpful when you are deemed to be NOT disabled, which in your case, would be a given, at stage IIIc. How long until you turn 50?

    Carlene

    Carlene, I just turned 49
    Carlene, I just turned 49 August 20, so another year.
  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #12
    carolenk said:

    Apply for disability now
    Dear Anne

    Don't wait to apply for social security disability. It takes four months to get your first check even if you are approved immediately. Ovarian cancer + malignant ascites = immediate approval for disability. This is not welfare but the insurance that you paid into while you were working.

    I was told my my lawer I
    I was told my my lawer I can't apply until after I have been off work for 5 months so that is what I am waiting for I have 2 1/2 months to go

    Anne
  • msfanciful
    msfanciful Member Posts: 559
    #13
    Insurance Drama of All Things!!!
    You're right about the individuals who sit behind a desk and make these life and death
    choices for hard-working people like ourselves! :-(

    One of the ladies posted about your applying for disability; she is absolutely correct, so as soon as you can apply do so, trust me the time will fly and you may not see it now, but things will get better once you are approved.

    Also, a little secret; once you are approved for disability you are usually approved automatically for medicare..so that's a nice plus too. I believe as with most insurance medicare will cover 80% and you will have to figure out the remaining 20% through either supplemental insurance or other means, but at least its a start and better than nothing.

    I pray that all will work out well for you (I truly believe it will)!

    Take care and hang in there.

    Sharon
  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #14
    msfanciful said:

    Insurance Drama of All Things!!!
    You're right about the individuals who sit behind a desk and make these life and death
    choices for hard-working people like ourselves! :-(

    One of the ladies posted about your applying for disability; she is absolutely correct, so as soon as you can apply do so, trust me the time will fly and you may not see it now, but things will get better once you are approved.

    Also, a little secret; once you are approved for disability you are usually approved automatically for medicare..so that's a nice plus too. I believe as with most insurance medicare will cover 80% and you will have to figure out the remaining 20% through either supplemental insurance or other means, but at least its a start and better than nothing.

    I pray that all will work out well for you (I truly believe it will)!

    Take care and hang in there.

    Sharon

    thanks sharon I know it will
    thanks sharon I know it will work out I have God on my side and with him all things are possible

    Anne
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    #15
    AnneBehymer said:

    I was told my my lawer I
    I was told my my lawer I can't apply until after I have been off work for 5 months so that is what I am waiting for I have 2 1/2 months to go

    Anne

    Sorry, but if you go to the
    Sorry, but if you go to the web site (www.socialsecurity.gov), you can get the information & make the application without an attorney. I doesn't hurt to apply. And what if your attorney is wrong?
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    #16
    msfanciful said:

    Insurance Drama of All Things!!!
    You're right about the individuals who sit behind a desk and make these life and death
    choices for hard-working people like ourselves! :-(

    One of the ladies posted about your applying for disability; she is absolutely correct, so as soon as you can apply do so, trust me the time will fly and you may not see it now, but things will get better once you are approved.

    Also, a little secret; once you are approved for disability you are usually approved automatically for medicare..so that's a nice plus too. I believe as with most insurance medicare will cover 80% and you will have to figure out the remaining 20% through either supplemental insurance or other means, but at least its a start and better than nothing.

    I pray that all will work out well for you (I truly believe it will)!

    Take care and hang in there.

    Sharon

    It takes 2 years before
    It takes 2 years before Medicare kicks in--almost makes you wonder if the US government is hoping you don't survive long enough to qualify for Medicare. Medicare comes with it's own set of problems.

    I overheard a woman at the oncology clinic who was trying to get her CA-125 level done. The clerk told her "No, you can't have that test, Medicare won't pay for it this soon...and no, you can't have the test & pay for it on your own either."

    Carolen

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