The recession has finally caught up to my employer, who has painstakingly tried to shield us from it as much as possible. However, next month may bring a restructuring that may include layoffs. No one knows yet who may or may not be on the chopping block.
I’ve been unemployed before and it sucks. And I don’t want to do it again. But then, I didn’t have diabetes. Then, I didn’t rely on an insulin pump to stay healthy. Now, I think being unemployed would be a much worse situation.
When I heard the news about what may happen next month my first thoughts were about how we would continue to pay the two mortgages (no, the house in Missouri hasn’t sold yet!), buy groceries and continue to provide the basics for our family without losing our minds. The thoughts of how I would continue to pay for my health care needs were delayed, strangely.
My next endo appointment is scheduled for August, when I’ll have a follow-up ultrasound regarding the thyroid nodule found earlier this year. I’ll be calling this week to see if we can move that appointment up as a just in case. I know I’m not the only person who has been in this situation, so I’m sure my endo can work with me to continue to receive care.
And I know I could use COBRA, but geez that’s expensive. And just having diabetes puts me in a category that insurers won’t even consider if I were to try to get an individual policy.
So what's a girl to do in this situation? I may stock pile supplies, I'll hope to get an endo appointment moved up, and I'm praying. A lot. Since being diagnosed I've had health insurance and I'm really scared not to have it. I don't want to end up robbing a convenience store so I can get insulin.
Don't rob that convenience store, Michelle. There's been an interesting thread of discussion over on IP ( Insulin Pumpers) about going to jail with while on an insulin pump. Doesn't sound very pleasant to me!
Here's hoping you aren't on the chopping block!
Mousie
Yes COBRA is expensive... but not nearly as expensive as no insurance. If for some reason your return to work is significantly delayed and your COBRA runs out (18 months) I would check into whether your state has a high risk insurance pool. Not all states do, but it is the only thing that has been available to my mom. They don't deny you for pre-existing conditions.
Check this person's post. Might email for some tips.
http://diabetescommunity.dlife.com/bherndon/blog/2009/06/06/free_stuff
Insurance companies stink.
Also, try Roche (Accu-Chek). They have been very professional w/me. When I had an old meter break, Roche sent a new one the next day (door to door). They only asked that I return the old meter in their stamped envelope w/an explanation of what happened. Very impressed by Roche.
Thanks Rodger, but I don't think anyone is giving away pump supplies or insulin.
Michelle,
Never hurts to ask. Years ago, OneTouch (J&J) treated me horribly when I asked about a replacement meter. Something changed me to Roche and nothing but good service.
Your pump manufacturer might appreciate the positive review on dlife and provide large discounts. After 35 years w/T1, I know it stinks, people are mean and companies want money. Sometimes, someone actually cares. The pain of asking is less than a BT.
As someone who lost there insurance 3 years ago I can say it's not that bad. I priced individual plans and compared with out of pocket and decided it cost way too much to be covered. The insulin and bloodstrip companies have programs for low income/no insurance. Pump supplies are another story but by buying off the internet instead of automaticly from the companies save a bunch. I see the endo twice a year. The hospital system here is great, after my bill add up they take a financial statement and write off my bill. rxassist.org has all the prescription programs on there website. My Dr's also give a lot of samples.