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(((((((RM)))))))
I know nothing (outside of my own experience), but it really sounds like what you have is an ERISA problem, not an insurance problem. (Edit: looks like Tuckerville already got on top of this one while I was posting.)
COBRA inclusion is administered by the employer IIRC (?). Basically you remain a member of the employer's group for a short period of time, but the employer is no longer paying the premiums. So that isn't likely to be helpful. Many states will let you convert a group policy to an individual plan, and if not I think we're coming up on open enrollment season in most states (?). So your family might be eligible for uninterrupted coverage - but of course that means paying individual rates. I know what that is for myself and DH for single coverage... I hate to even think what family coverage would cost. :mad::mad::(:(
One thing you really need to know: if you're uninsured, you will be charged (on average) three to five times more for your care than what an insurance company would pay. Criminal yeah, but that's life in these United States. I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I'm sitting here right now looking at the physicians' and clinic bills for my breast biopsy. The total billed out was about $7500. That's what an uninsured person would have to pay (and the equivalent of about five months' premiums for single coverage). What the insurance company actually paid was $2400, and my portion was $600. So yeah. It s*cks rotten eggs. And don't even get me started on how the major presidential candidates have already promised the insurance industry that they won't even try to reform the system.
Just hugs to you, praying for the best for your health, and hoping you get the rest of it worked out quickly and at a minimum of expense and stress.
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Thanks all for the moral support and the advice.
And Oak, thanks for laying out that bill for me. I appreciate knowing what I'm up against.
I'm going to get on the phone today with some state agencies and see what I can do.
As for the money.... I'm all over that. They will NOT get away with it.
We got a bill yesterday for something that the ins. didn't pay, so my hubby put it on an expense report with a nasty note and turned it in...:mad:
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I am sorry to hear of your troubles. I hope that you are able to get things solved in your favor without a whole lot of undo stress, if that is possible.
Red Rock
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I had a breast lump that turned out to be benign. I hope that is what they find for you.
Good luck with all the rest, sheesh what a godawful mess...
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I hope this is a case where you can be the squeaky wheel and get what is yours... and that *nothing* is going on in the body that shouldn't be.
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Just wanted to let you know that I'll be sending good energy your way. I'm sorry this is all coming down on you at once.
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Actually, I think calling a lawyer about the employment benefits stuff would be a good idea.
RM, I am so sorry. You will get through this, plowing through all the crud slowly, but you WILL come out the other side.
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Wow - that is HUGELY sucky. I am so sorry!! Big hug to you.
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Jeeze louise...that bites!
I don't know if this is an option for you, but there are interim and short term health insurance companies out there that are cheaper than cobra depending on the coverage and deductibles you select. We have one of these to cover six months of no coverage for 'just in case' emergencies. It's temporary and limited - but it's better than no coverage at all.
www.ehealthinsurance.com
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Wow, RM, that is awful. I sure hope things look up and work out okay. Sending good vibes your way!
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Hi Denise
As I have just written on another thread to Snap, I have not been on here in a while......................and to find this thread.........OMG!
My goodness, when the sh1t hits the fan for you, it really does!
Will email you.
Lots of hugs for all the family.
Clock
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I really feel for you. The company my father used to work for did the same thing with the 401k - never put money into it when they were supposed to. I think they also had trouble making payroll sometimes.
It seems that everyone who works at your husband's company could use some legal advice, so maybe he could get together with some co-workers to hire a lawyer and maybe you could split the fees with them.
Good luck!
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Just a quick update...
Found out from my cousin the law enforcement/ legal nut that I should be covered by insurance. The health insurance company has to notify me by mail that A) my insurance lapsed, and B) that I'm elegible for cobra.
They have not done that. They just sent a letter stating that they needed to "review" my last claim due to a financial issue with my husbands employer.
So I called my doctor and explained this to her. She advised me to go straight for a sonogram, and to have them put a rush on everything while I'm still covered. She also mentioned that if something were to happen she would work with me- and not to worry. Wheewww.
So hopefully this will work itself out. I also have a friend who sells individual health plans, so she's shopping around for me. My problem is my health history.... sigh.... :(
I'm gonna be paying through the NOSE!! (legs, arms, feet etc....)
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I'm glad the medical side is working out
Since this is a public forum, I'd encourage you to limit your posts to updates and not a documentation of your intended actions.;) There are many reasons to tread cautiously...but I'll leave it to the legal minded to weigh in there.
I really hope this works out well for you.:)
