Several months without health care

[ThomCat]

I just found out that the company I used to work for is being dissolved. It was a consulting firm, and our largest client is hiring every employee. That is wonderful for the employees. If I was still there, I'd be cheering. I loved working for them.

But that means my COBRA goes Poof! There is no longer a company there to provide the COBRA.

I just got approved for SS Disability, but my Medicare doesn't start until May. So I have to survive without any insurance for several months despite being a high-impact user of health insurance.

Please tell me your stories. Have you had to do this? How did you manage?

Federal regs mandate that I must see my pain management doctor in person every 30 days in order to be allowed to receive my pain meds. Because of other health issues I have to see my primary doctor every 30 days too. No less. So the cost of seeing those two doctors is a necessary cost and can't be avoided. The minimum I have been able to negotiate that down to is $250 per month.

The cost of meds is what is really going to kill me. I'm trying to get samples of everything, and apply for patient's assistance programs to see if the drug companies will send me samples. Have any of you had any experience dealing with these programs? Any tips or advice?

[murielm99]

1. I will be in the same boat as you in a few months.

My husband will be losing his job in March. The COBRA will be paid for three months. I will not be eligible for Medicare for four more years. In the meantime, I have several pre-existing conditions that will not be covered.

My brother says I should join AARP and get their insurance. It is low cost. I am sure it will not cover the things I need insurance for in the first place!

I will compare notes with you as things develop.

[Warpy]

2. If you have enough advance warning, you can set things up

to buy everything but Schedule 2 drugs like Valium and narcotics from Canada, which will save you some money right there if you can't get samples or companies to pony up some benefits to the needy. It's a last resort and I recall it took me about 3 weeks to set it up and another 10 days for the meds to arrive.

You might get away with seeing your primary less frequently, talk to him. Also talk to the pain doc and see what he can do about either prorating the bill or allowing you to pay it off slowly once you're set up with Medicare. My guess is that he'll listen to reason. My docs have been my best ally since I have no insurance and no hope of getting it.

You might talk to the state welfare office about temporary assistance if you're out of assets. They only help the destitute, though, not the poor.