CT Tomorrow morning & losing insurance!

Let's hope for the best on that scan. I had a scare myself this week, but it turned out to be ok and I wish you the same. Illness is so hard on everybody in so many ways: emotionallym, physically, financially. I need to work through the remadiation and chemo and most of the time I'm so tired, but have to pretend that everything is ok. Need to pay the bills. That's life and let's hope it will work out. We have to keep the family together. That's our greatest investment and resource. 

We all hope to hear good news from you in a few days. 

Laz

So very sorry to hear that you have added issues to deal with.

As to insurance, in the past you were allowed to continue insurance coverage under COBRA but the costs were pretty high since you had to pay all with no employer contribution.

Beginning Oct. 1 you can go to the Health Insurance Marketplace to apply for insurance.  This is part of "Obama Care".  This allows you to get gov. assistance to pay premiums based on income.  Not for everyone, but may be of some help to you in current situation.   Coverage would begin Jan. 1.  https://www.healthcare.gov/what-is-the-health-insurance-marketplace/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=new_subscriber_welcome&utm_campaign=welcome

The other good thing is that starting Jan.1, 2014 insurance companes cannot deny you coverage because of pre-existing conditions.

I hope that you may find some of this of help.

Marie who loves kitties

We have been in the same situation.  Husband Pat was unable to work during early treatment/surgery and we eventually had to pay for Cobra which was so expensive and hit our savings hard. Pat did apply for SSDI a few months after diagnosis and he was approved right away since he is stage iv.  We were not eligible for SSI because we had too many assets (sarcastic laugh).  But, if you are eligible for SSI, you usually get Medicaid right away.  If you are approved for SSDI, you are eligible for Medicare 2 years from date of diagnosis.  Pat just got Medicare (it's been 2 years since he was dx'ed) but since he returned to work last Oct and is once again back on company health insurance, he will only get Part A.  He won't have to contribute to Part B unless he cannot work again.  You may already know about Social Security but if not, hope this helps.  

I wish you all the best with your CT scan tomorrow, you are in my thoughts... 

Ellen 

With both of you being unemployed, you should be able to qualify for some program.  Even if you don't qualify for subsidy from gov. due to year-to-date income, the policies at the Market Place may be cheaper.  Won't hurt to check.

Wishng you good news tomorrow...and hubby good success with job search.

Marie who loves kitties

So sorry about the job loss / insurance.

I pay for COBRA also so I know it is expensive.

Focus on your scans.....remember to take a breath, please.

Have your husband pump out the resumes.

Only worry about what you can change.

Look into all / any programs from your state.

just two months before I was diagnosed my husband lost his job.  No insurance, it was a terrible time.  I understand your situation too well.

if you are stage IV, you automatically qualify for Medicare, if the diagnosis was over two years, you will also qualify for Medicare (2 years from diagnosis) this could save your bank account.  

I hope your husband gets another job soonest!!

Winter Marie

Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you.  Very similar situation here .. it was a tough time and with children it made it all the harder, but we became stronger as a family.  These times are teaching our children many lessons, they are becoming stronger people with bigger hearts and compassion.  Lessons some people never learn.   

I want to wish you the best and know you are not alone. 

One day at a time .. worry only about staying well and as stress free as you can.  The rest will fall into place.

We also did apply for SSDI and that was a huge relief. Stage 4 did bump that right along! Didn't know about medicare!! That sounds like something to look into.  Also, maybe some state programs?  I am not sure what state you live in, but often they can provide some relief until things get back on track for you folks.

Hope all went well with your scan. 

Momof2plusteentwins said:

So glad I came here to vent
Thanks, thanks, triple thanks everyone! I did get my results back. We are watching a node on the lung 4mm. It hasn't changed since last scan, 3 months ago. So that is a relief. I am working back at the hospital PRN - 1 day a week. They will not let me work part or full time because of cancer - they don't want to insure me. My husband is pumping out resumes. We are ok for now - 3 months severance and benefits, so no unemployment for him yet. We live in Georgia. Thank you for all the insurance ideas, I will definitely look into them. It's just scary to look at the unknown. We will definitely have to move because he is a county manager and there are very few jobs. That is all he has ever done for 27 years. We have been here 11 years, which is most of my boys life. They started school here in kindergarden. Well off to work I go for 12 hours. I'm so glad I have you guys, you have made me feel so much better!
Sandy

I am so thankful that your scan results were good. I believe that you and your husband will find a way to work all of this out. Try your best to not get too stressed out over the situation and take care of yourself.