What do you do if you're not eligible for Medicare/Medicaid, yet you've been rejected for private insurance AND you can't get employer-sponsored insurance?
In such instances, you may want to look into your state's CHIP program. CHIP stands for Comprehensive Health care Insurance Program. It is sometimes referred to as SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program.)
People with preexisting conditions such as AIDS, cancers, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, Hodgkin’s Disease, Leukemia, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s Disease, and other similar diseases, who can't get insurance elsewhere can look to CHIPs. CHIP is not insurance, but a health benefit program.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Medicare/Medicaid. Can you use it?
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
You must be 65 year of age or older to qualify for Medicare. It can also be used by people with certain disabilities.
Medicaid is an aid program for people under 65 who cannot afford insurance, or who have disabilities.
The Social Security Disability Insurance is for people under the age of 65 who have disabilities. Once on this insurance for two years, you can transition to Medicare despite your age. SSDI's number is 800/772-1213.
Visit Medicare's website to see if you qualify.
http://www.medicare.gov/.
You can also call your local Public Aid office.
Medicaid, on the other hand, is a state regulated program. So it varies from state to state. Call or visit your state's Department of Health care and Family Services website to get more information.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had a good overview of what the process entails.
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp
You must be 65 year of age or older to qualify for Medicare. It can also be used by people with certain disabilities.
Medicaid is an aid program for people under 65 who cannot afford insurance, or who have disabilities.
The Social Security Disability Insurance is for people under the age of 65 who have disabilities. Once on this insurance for two years, you can transition to Medicare despite your age. SSDI's number is 800/772-1213.
Visit Medicare's website to see if you qualify.
http://www.medicare.gov/.
You can also call your local Public Aid office.
Medicaid, on the other hand, is a state regulated program. So it varies from state to state. Call or visit your state's Department of Health care and Family Services website to get more information.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had a good overview of what the process entails.
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp
School Rules!
You may or may not know this, but when you're enrolled at a university or college you either automatically get health care, or you can opt-in. This applies no matter what you're age.
So, if you've been rejected for private insurance and don't have a degree, or need another one, consider going back to school.
If the college of your choice doesn't have it, or you're using an online university, check out FORTIS, who has a policy just for students.
So, if you've been rejected for private insurance and don't have a degree, or need another one, consider going back to school.
If the college of your choice doesn't have it, or you're using an online university, check out FORTIS, who has a policy just for students.
Get Insurance Through Associations
It's not really the first place you think of, but associations and unions often times offer insurance, or discount prescription plan to members.
Keep in mind, this means you have to pay the association fee to join, and then actual insurance premium. But this is just another way you can gain insurance, even if you've been rejected by private companies.
Some associations have stringent membership requirements, while others let you in upon membership fee. Word of caution, however, always thoroughly research the association and the insurance.
Some associations with benefits include:
AARP MembeRX Choice (prescription only)
http://www.aarppharmacy.com/AARPnet/mc/mcdefault.aspx
Members of AARP pay $19.95 per year for a prescription drug discount program. They claim you'll save up to 53% off. You only need to be 40 to take advantage of this!
American Society of Journalists and Authors
http://www.asja.org/
Federation of American Consumers and Travelers
http://www.fact-org.org/
FACT offers health insurance, dental, or a prescription RX plan. You pay only $36 for the year to join and the first 30 days are free.
Keep in mind, this means you have to pay the association fee to join, and then actual insurance premium. But this is just another way you can gain insurance, even if you've been rejected by private companies.
Some associations have stringent membership requirements, while others let you in upon membership fee. Word of caution, however, always thoroughly research the association and the insurance.
Some associations with benefits include:
AARP MembeRX Choice (prescription only)
http://www.aarppharmacy.com/AARPnet/mc/mcdefault.aspx
Members of AARP pay $19.95 per year for a prescription drug discount program. They claim you'll save up to 53% off. You only need to be 40 to take advantage of this!
American Society of Journalists and Authors
http://www.asja.org/
Federation of American Consumers and Travelers
http://www.fact-org.org/
FACT offers health insurance, dental, or a prescription RX plan. You pay only $36 for the year to join and the first 30 days are free.
Rejected by Private Insurance Companies
I guess we all just assume that we can get health insurance if we apply for a policy. Wrong. Simple things like allergies can actually send a rejection letter your way!
It's one thing not to be able to afford it, but to want it and be told "sorry"....that is equally scary.
If this has happened to you, don't panic. You have options. The first is to be clear about the reason you were rejected and then review your medical file. Are there errors in your file? There should NOT be a "diagnosis" in your file unless you were tested for it. Then either send a letter, or ask your doctor to, contesting the decision.
If they still reject you, apply with other companies. Just because one rejects you doesn't meant another one will.
It's one thing not to be able to afford it, but to want it and be told "sorry"....that is equally scary.
If this has happened to you, don't panic. You have options. The first is to be clear about the reason you were rejected and then review your medical file. Are there errors in your file? There should NOT be a "diagnosis" in your file unless you were tested for it. Then either send a letter, or ask your doctor to, contesting the decision.
If they still reject you, apply with other companies. Just because one rejects you doesn't meant another one will.
Nice Shoes!
Do you know someone who never misses a new DVD release at Blockbuster? What about the fashion diva who buys designer purses and shoes just for the sake of buying them. Or the person who goes out four days a week and spends beyond their means. Do you know these people, and are they uninsured?
Yes, many people can't afford insurance, but I wonder how many just don't make it a priority. If you know someone like this, do them a favor and point it out. Tell that being uninsured and sick does horrible things to your social life!
Yes, many people can't afford insurance, but I wonder how many just don't make it a priority. If you know someone like this, do them a favor and point it out. Tell that being uninsured and sick does horrible things to your social life!
Private Insurance
Tens of millions of Americans claim they have no insurance because they can't afford the high premiums. The premium is the amount you pay each month for coverage. Other people simply don't want to spend money each month for something they doubt they'll use.
The fact is, if you don't have health insurance, and something minor happens, you'll be wishing you paid that premium. Even something minor like allergies can be a financial drain when you add up doctors, testing, medicine, etc.
Common medicines cost hundreds of dollars if you don't have insurance.
Try to find a type of health care insurance you can afford. Everything in this blog is meant to help the uninsured, but it's always best not to be uninsured in the first place.
Be practical when you choose your insurance. Yes, a $0 or $500 deductible is attractive, but if you can't make the high monthly payment and the policy is canceled what good is it. It's better to choose a slightly higher deductible you know you can always afford--even during your financially worst months.
Some companies with affordable plans include Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Celtic, and many others. Compare prices and policies side-by-side at EHealthInsurance.com.
The fact is, if you don't have health insurance, and something minor happens, you'll be wishing you paid that premium. Even something minor like allergies can be a financial drain when you add up doctors, testing, medicine, etc.
Common medicines cost hundreds of dollars if you don't have insurance.
Try to find a type of health care insurance you can afford. Everything in this blog is meant to help the uninsured, but it's always best not to be uninsured in the first place.
Be practical when you choose your insurance. Yes, a $0 or $500 deductible is attractive, but if you can't make the high monthly payment and the policy is canceled what good is it. It's better to choose a slightly higher deductible you know you can always afford--even during your financially worst months.
Some companies with affordable plans include Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Celtic, and many others. Compare prices and policies side-by-side at EHealthInsurance.com.
Insurance Options You Didn't Know You Had!
Okay, so you're without, or soon will be without health insurance. Here are a few options you may not have considered:
++Does your spouse have insurance you are eligible for?
++Are you eligible to be covered under your parent's insurance?
++If you live with a significant other who has insurance, you may be eligible for coverage.
++Do you belong to an association or union that has insurance benefits?
++Do you go to college (or can you)? Tuition often includes health care.
++Ask your HR department if there are any programs to help uninsured people in a crisis.
++Can you get a part-time job at Starbucks, UPS, Home Depot, or one of the many other growing companies that only require you to work 20 hours per week for insurance benefits.
++Does your spouse have insurance you are eligible for?
++Are you eligible to be covered under your parent's insurance?
++If you live with a significant other who has insurance, you may be eligible for coverage.
++Do you belong to an association or union that has insurance benefits?
++Do you go to college (or can you)? Tuition often includes health care.
++Ask your HR department if there are any programs to help uninsured people in a crisis.
++Can you get a part-time job at Starbucks, UPS, Home Depot, or one of the many other growing companies that only require you to work 20 hours per week for insurance benefits.
COBRA May be an Option for You
I'm not a fan of COBRA and here's why. If for whatever reason you no longer have insurance from an employer, you're offered COBRA as a band-aid between losing and getting new insurance. So, why not just get that "new" insurance that you plan on keeping for long-term now? Why risk going with COBRA (which is normally expensive) and getting ill (pre-existing condition) and then having trouble getting regular insurance. With that said, here's the 411 on COBRA.
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is available to individuals with employer-sponsored insurance who lose that insurance between 1) they did not work the required number of hours, or; 2) they were laid off, fired, or quit.
With COBRA, you have the option to retain the same type of insurance provided by your employer, but at your expensive for up to 18 months. If disability occurs while on COBRA, coverage could extend another 18 months. You may be able to convert to a regular policy when the same insurance provider, once COBRA coverage ends.
Things may get a little tense when you're in this transition, but before your policy ends you will receive a letter giving you the option to sign up for COBRA. The letter will detail everything you must do (normally this is just to accept COBRA. They normally bill you later.)
The Department of Labor website has more information about coverage.
http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm
Your former employer is also required to tell you about your COBRA rights.
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is available to individuals with employer-sponsored insurance who lose that insurance between 1) they did not work the required number of hours, or; 2) they were laid off, fired, or quit.
With COBRA, you have the option to retain the same type of insurance provided by your employer, but at your expensive for up to 18 months. If disability occurs while on COBRA, coverage could extend another 18 months. You may be able to convert to a regular policy when the same insurance provider, once COBRA coverage ends.
Things may get a little tense when you're in this transition, but before your policy ends you will receive a letter giving you the option to sign up for COBRA. The letter will detail everything you must do (normally this is just to accept COBRA. They normally bill you later.)
The Department of Labor website has more information about coverage.
http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm
Your former employer is also required to tell you about your COBRA rights.
How Many People in America are Uninsured?
The number of uninsured Americans is equivalent to all the people in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arkansas, Hawaii, Alaska and more! And that number is always growing. There is a new, yet silent class-system in American--the insured and the uninsured.
Almost 40 million people in the United States were uninsured in 2000. In 2005 that number grew to over 46 million in 2005, according to the US Census Bureau.
Every year the number of employers who cease providing health insurance grows. Health insurance is a huge expense for corporations, and a growing challenge for American's small businesses, who employee more people than large corporations.
But the tens of millions of uninsured people does not include those with no prescription drug coverage, high deductibles, and low coverage. Even people who are on COBRA, which is not permanent insurance, are not included in the uninsured number.
So, the number is high, yes, but what's even more sad is that there are so many resources out there to help people get health care and they simply are unaware of them.
Almost 40 million people in the United States were uninsured in 2000. In 2005 that number grew to over 46 million in 2005, according to the US Census Bureau.
Every year the number of employers who cease providing health insurance grows. Health insurance is a huge expense for corporations, and a growing challenge for American's small businesses, who employee more people than large corporations.
But the tens of millions of uninsured people does not include those with no prescription drug coverage, high deductibles, and low coverage. Even people who are on COBRA, which is not permanent insurance, are not included in the uninsured number.
So, the number is high, yes, but what's even more sad is that there are so many resources out there to help people get health care and they simply are unaware of them.
Why Everyone Needs to Read This Blog
Sadly, not many people in this country have great health insurance.
Even if you have employer-sponsored insurance, it seems something is always lacking, or out-of-pocket expenses go up while the quality of health insurance goes down. Most people have limited coverage, deductibles up to $5,000 per individual, no prescription coverage, or no insurance at all!
Being uninsured is a growing disaster in this country. A catastrophe in the making. Being uninsured is a gamble and what's at stake is not just your health, but that of those you love. What if you have family members who depend on you.
And being uninsured can affect every aspect of your life. It can ruin your credit report. Make it difficult to find a job. It can leave you homeless. It can even kill you.
According to Norton’s Bankruptcy Adviser, out of the estimated one million people who filed for bankruptcy in 1999, half (500,000) did so due to mounting medical bills.
And this can affect everyone. You might have insurance today but not tomorrow. A co-worker, friend, or family member may find they are uninsured. So everyone needs to read this because if you can use this information, you may be able to help someone who does.
Even if you have employer-sponsored insurance, it seems something is always lacking, or out-of-pocket expenses go up while the quality of health insurance goes down. Most people have limited coverage, deductibles up to $5,000 per individual, no prescription coverage, or no insurance at all!
Being uninsured is a growing disaster in this country. A catastrophe in the making. Being uninsured is a gamble and what's at stake is not just your health, but that of those you love. What if you have family members who depend on you.
And being uninsured can affect every aspect of your life. It can ruin your credit report. Make it difficult to find a job. It can leave you homeless. It can even kill you.
According to Norton’s Bankruptcy Adviser, out of the estimated one million people who filed for bankruptcy in 1999, half (500,000) did so due to mounting medical bills.
And this can affect everyone. You might have insurance today but not tomorrow. A co-worker, friend, or family member may find they are uninsured. So everyone needs to read this because if you can use this information, you may be able to help someone who does.
Welcome!
Welcome to Help for the Uninsured: a directory of free resources for people with no health
• Uninsured
• Underinsured
• Insured but without prescription coverage
• Insured but without dental coverage
• Insured with a high deductible
• Insured through COBRA
• Insured under a policy that can be cancelled at any time (i.e. if you become ill.)
• Soon to lose insurance and have a pre-existing condition
• Uncertain about the stability of your job or company
• A senior living on a fixed income
• Upset because your employer repeatedly reduces your insurance coverage
• An early retiree
• Self-employed
• Unemployed
• Having financial difficulties
This blog contains real resources! No affiliate links or hidden motives here! This blog is 100% dedicated to helping the uninsured. The only time this site generates money is when people click on the Google Ads located throughout blog posts.
Why did I create this blog?
I know what it's like to be without health insurance while having medical issues. Not being able to afford medication is a desperate feeling. And so I want to share the information that has helped me...information that not all doctors or pharmacists know about and/or share. There are millions of other people like me out there and hopefully this can help!
• Uninsured
• Underinsured
• Insured but without prescription coverage
• Insured but without dental coverage
• Insured with a high deductible
• Insured through COBRA
• Insured under a policy that can be cancelled at any time (i.e. if you become ill.)
• Soon to lose insurance and have a pre-existing condition
• Uncertain about the stability of your job or company
• A senior living on a fixed income
• Upset because your employer repeatedly reduces your insurance coverage
• An early retiree
• Self-employed
• Unemployed
• Having financial difficulties
This blog contains real resources! No affiliate links or hidden motives here! This blog is 100% dedicated to helping the uninsured. The only time this site generates money is when people click on the Google Ads located throughout blog posts.
Why did I create this blog?
I know what it's like to be without health insurance while having medical issues. Not being able to afford medication is a desperate feeling. And so I want to share the information that has helped me...information that not all doctors or pharmacists know about and/or share. There are millions of other people like me out there and hopefully this can help!
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