Very stressed

Hi,

Depending on the state and county wher you are resident, there are options to assist you through this difficult time. Some programs do not count your house as an asset so you may want to ensure you pay that and stay current. Since the COBRA is for health insurance, that may be the expense to consider dropping as long as you have the safety net in place to pick up the health coverage. You mention a retirement asset. Depending on the type of plan this may be considered a liquid asset and would need to be drawn down first. You would use that money to pay other expenses such as the mortgage and COBRA. Once liquid assets are spent down, you may then qualify for health coverage through one of the programs in your area. There is such a wide range of what is covered by where you live and your financial situation you need to start calling around and see if you can develop a real plan to ensure you safeguard the most important things - your home and David's access to health care.  

Comparing the health battle you are facing and getting the financial stuff locked down, the financial stuff should be able to be defined and executed with a clear strategy. Don

donfoo said:

You have options

Hi,

Depending on the state and county wher you are resident, there are options to assist you through this difficult time. Some programs do not count your house as an asset so you may want to ensure you pay that and stay current. Since the COBRA is for health insurance, that may be the expense to consider dropping as long as you have the safety net in place to pick up the health coverage. You mention a retirement asset. Depending on the type of plan this may be considered a liquid asset and would need to be drawn down first. You would use that money to pay other expenses such as the mortgage and COBRA. Once liquid assets are spent down, you may then qualify for health coverage through one of the programs in your area. There is such a wide range of what is covered by where you live and your financial situation you need to start calling around and see if you can develop a real plan to ensure you safeguard the most important things - your home and David's access to health care.  

Comparing the health battle you are facing and getting the financial stuff locked down, the financial stuff should be able to be defined and executed with a clear strategy. Don

I know you have way too much on your plate.  And my next statements are submitted to you with what I believe is accurate information, but due diligence is required on your part, but certainly worth a look.

1.  SSI (not to be confused with Social Security). David should qualify for this immediately, but then have to wait the 6 months for the first check. However, the beauty of this program is no matter when you fill out the paperwork, I believe the 6 month waiting period starts from when he stopped working and earning income.  So if David stopped working and earning income 4 months ago (as an example) then he would start getting a check in 2 months if approved. H&N cancer is one of the diseases listed on SSI as a quick qualifier.  Just be sure you have all of your doctors info and give them what they ask for .  Going to your local SS office or speaking to a rep on the phone (and staying with that same rep) until paperwork is completed is the best way to go.

2. PCIP.gov for your state (I don't think you will qualify for this at this time, but you may eventually and should be aware of this.

3.  As crazy as this sounds, many times your current hospital will pay half or even all of your COBRA premium.  The reason for this is they get paid what they would not if your coverage lapses and they continue care.  This works best for non-profit hospitals.  So for example, if your permium is $1600 per month and they pay $800.00 per month, but will be paid $50k - $200k over the next  year for Davids treatment, you can see why this is in their best interest.  When I first started my treatments I had no idea how long I would be out of work, I spoke to the financial office at the local care center I was going to (as well as SSI, SS) and anybody esle I could think of simply to dover al lthe bases.  Turns out I never had to utilize any of that "except" the Hospital did right a chekc for 6 months of my health insurance and send it in...which at the time was $2100.00 ...so you never know unless you ask.  I'm currently on a payment plan with the Hospital for my share of the dedcutible which was about $4800 and I also now am paying my health insurance permiums again for $350.00 per month.

Check with your local American Cancer Society as well...they may be able ot direct you to some prorams.

I pray I am not intruding into you business too deep...just hoping to be helpful to you and David....

Best,

Tim

Start the SSI application process, by all means.  COBRA - have not been through that. 

I am sorry about your house: you have enough stress right now, I know.

Just take it a day at a time, Vivian.

Sorry for all this stress you are dealing with alone. I don't have any experience or advice to give you other than to search for your options as exhausting as it may seem. What Don and Tim gave you are great starters.

I pray that somewhere along this road that you get some relief....take it a day at a time girl.

Prayers to you and David.

~Cris 

NJShore said:

When it rains...

Vivian,

don't you just love the timing of things?  At anytime I think I've had enough, the other shoe drops. Amazing. 

yesterday we both had pity parties, I was right there beside you!  Today the sun rose again, my eyes open, I am dealing with it. A bit happier too, so I hope you are too!

my suggestion is, do you have a friend or family member who is known for their business sense? Someone you trust and hold in high regard? If so, maybe you can ask that they sit with you and offer their advice too. It's still your choices, decisions and options, but it doesn't hurt to have someone close who can help with the investigations, follow-ups etc. most wont offer that kind of help, but I bet many would readily be happy to help with something they do well. Just make sure anyone who is offering there advice has nothing to gain from your decisions, you don't need more stress later!

i'll keep praying for you both, and hope you do see your own bed tonight... I haven't seen mine in over 5 weeks.. I dream about it now!

 

hugs, Kari 

There are social workers in the hospital (and possibly one at the American Cancer Society in your town....she/he may actually be right at the hospital, mine was)....they are great at assiting in finding funds to help get you thru this.....especially the medical costs).

Kari is right about when the shoes drop....they never seem to drop on an empty spot....just add to the pile of things you already are trying to deal with. 

p