What options if you lost your job but couldn't afford Cobra?

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited September 2011

    I was laid off a few months before my breast cancer diagnosis. The first month I paid COBRA in full. then the COBRA subsidy came into effect, so it was much more affordable. Once the subsidy ended, I think I paid one or two months at full price, then found that I qualified for a low-cost insurance plan HealthyNY based on my income (or lack of it). I'm into the second year of that policy -- premium is $365/mo. An individual plan on the open market would be $1,000+. My insurance provider is Aetna and I was worried at first that not all my doctors would be covered or there would be issues with getting coverage for mammos, MRIs, etc. but no problem so far. I do have to get referrals for everything other than visits to my GP but I can live with that.

    So for anyone in a similar situation in NY, there is an affordable option. Not sure about other states.

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  • Reporter
    Reporter Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2011

    I am a reporter for a suburban NY newspaper writing a story about options and services for women who have no insurance, or who have lost a job, and are diagnosed with breast cancer.

    If anyone here is from Westchester or Rockland county -- and you were in that situation and would like to share your story for the article-- please let me know.
    Thank you.

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  • cycle-path
    cycle-path Member Posts: 1,502
    edited September 2011

    Reporter, you might also go over to the geographic forums and either post there, or see if there are women from your part of the country. 

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/34 

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  • dawn84
    dawn84 Member Posts: 17
    edited September 2011

    I'm in the same position with COBRA.  We just had to make the decision to discontinue COBRA because we could no longer afford the premiums (almost 700.00 a month for just me). I don't qualify for PCIP for 6 mos. of course, and I'm excluded from private insurance until I am cancer free for 10 years. I have just finished with my last reconstructive surgery, and we will just have to pay cash for Dr. appts.  I'm a teacher and missed the entire 2010-2011 school year while I was undergoing treatment.  My husband's company folded and he is now self-employed and trying to build back his own business, but as of right now we have no insurance. Bottom line, I'm so glad we aren't living in a state where having medical insurance is mandatory!

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  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited September 2011

    Well, I"m in Fla and the pre-existing pool apparently has been closed for quite some time.   I am just hoping to finish recon as quickly as possible - not lose my job in the meantime - and If I do, just try to get on with another employers plan as quickly as possible and/or talk to a social worker about medicaid.  

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  • cinnamonsmiles
    cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
    edited September 2011

    I was in the american cancer society chat room and a few people in their were chatting about some federal health care insurance that covers all cancer related medical bills for a year. I am not sure how to go about finding out if this is for real.

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  • jbagley
    jbagley Member Posts: 102
    edited September 2011

    Hi ladies, I thought I would poke my head in. Have you filled out FMLA (family medical leave papers? If you have they can't fire you cause that for you would be a major lawsuit an attorney would pick up in a heart beat. But if you have filled fmla for the initial 12 weeks, you then apply for an extension. Then it turns into long term disability (at least in Maine), check with youur local state listings for fmla and ltd. Your employer needs to hold that position for you.



    Jennifer from Maine. Hope this helps a little?

    hugs to you all.

    I have stage 3 bc.
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  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited September 2011

    You don't get paid while on FMLA, though (except for whatever sick/vacation leave you have accrued).    I need to work right now.

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  • Fearless_One
    Fearless_One Member Posts: 3,300
    edited September 2011

    Found out I meet the requirements to fall under "charitable care", meaning my hospital would pick up all facility charges if I lost my insurance and needed surgery .   BUT it wouldn't cover surgeon fees (or any physician fees).   Just the facility, equipments, etc - and nursing care if I needed to stay the night.   

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