I just received a bill from UCSF today.
Thank God for insurance.
My mom said that our house cost $40,000 in 1977.
Yep.
Well, I have to figure out something soon for insurance. I lose coverage under my parents in a little over a year when I turn 23. Unfortunately, I can’t just have any ol’ insurance…I need someone who can authorize a referral to a specialist. I also need to find an employer/someone to marry me who has Kaiser insurance, otherwise I will probably be rejected for coverage with my pre-existing condition.
Other options…go into debt to save my life? Refuse treatment and accept the inevitability of my death to save money?
There are some less extreme options out there, but they really require a lot of $$$ which I personally don’t have, and my parents are on a fixed retirement income now. Not like we were particularly affluent to begin with either; my mom was a stay-at-home mom and my dad was a schoolteacher.
Ugh…as if having stage 4 cancer wasn’t hard enough already.
Fortunately, I’m pretty asymptomatic right now. No more stupid fevers, no more medicine at the moment (YESS!!!!). I’ve been feeling well enough to get depressed over other things, like the lack of jobs that I’m finally well enough and qualified to hold.
Debbie Downer, Wah-Wah.
5 comments
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July 10, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Ryan
Damn I wish I had kaiser
July 12, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Steve
I am also concerned about health insurance. Right now, I have no job to speak of, my COBRA coverage expires at the end of next month, and I too have a “pre-existing condition” that makes an affordable individual policy all but inaccessible.
I guess you need to focus your efforts on finding a job with health coverage, even if it isn’t the job of your dreams, and pray that Obama or somebody makes it possible for us to choose from better options. Maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about, but it seems to me that someone with your experience, intelligence, and youth will be able to find decent work somewhere if you just keep plugging away in looking for it. On the other hand, it’s likely to be a lot more difficult for a guy like me.
I’m pulling for you, in any case, and I look ever so forward to reading your imminent, ecstatic announcement that you’ve found a great job with benefits. Either that or you’re getting married to a wonderful guy with great benefits that will cover you too. That will be a happy day for both of us and, undoubtedly, many more.
July 13, 2009 at 6:40 pm
evliu
Maybe you could find a job with a Christian publisher?
July 23, 2009 at 7:08 pm
David H
Jessica,
With regard to your insurance situation, if your treating physician can document that your medical condition contributes to long term disability, you could be eligible for Medi-Cal or Medicare:
Disability of > 1year, can apply for Medi-Cal
Disability of > 2years, can apply for Medicare
Since your physicians are at UCSF, I would suggest that you contact the discharge planners, social workers or financial counselors (Admitting Dept) at UCSF for further guidance if not actual assistance in filling out the form and helping you:
1. Navigate the process
2. Inform you of other programs
I believe they would be very willing to assist in that should you require future care, UCSF would be your place of choice.
Just a thought,
David
July 23, 2009 at 8:09 pm
David H
Jessica,
One other thought, with what is happening in the country, that whoever you are now covered by, you and your parents should ask if there is any exceptions or special extensions or options that are available since this is an unprecedented financial times. If this is a retirement program through through the Teachers Association, your Father should ask or make inquiries through that department that handles health insurance for retirees.
David H.