I need to rant.
I'm following my North Star but it seems that health-care coverage will be left back on the trail. Tell me why a federally-mandated program like COBRA has this cute little clause in it that prohibits my getting on the program in Massachusetts because I'd have to have a Pennsylvania PCP (primary care physician) assigned! Now isn't that the stupidest thing ever? Next best thing is shelling out over $550 per month on a "basic individual" HMO plan which still doesn't cover prescriptions.
There's gotta be a better way. This venting does not mean I'm regretting my decision to pack it all up and get out of Dodge. Hell no! But I'm frustrated at this turn of events.
I'm getting an education on the plight of millions of my fellow citizens who, like me, are stuck between a rock and hard place when it comes to medical insurance. I plan to stay healthy for the time being and start looking for a fulltime job sooner rather than later.
Appreciate feedback and innovative solutions.
10 comments:
health insurance in MA is a shithole. You won't be working, so you'll have no income, right? You 'MIGHT' be able to get on Mass Health, but don't count on it. If you're getting your SS check, and you've worked, you're going to be making too much money for Mass Health. Doesn't matter how small your SS check is, it's too much money. Mass Health (medicaid) is a joke. And it's run by MORONS out of Revere. Really.
The only think I can say is, you have to wait 2 years to get Medicate if you're on SS, so stay healthy!
I pay for my own insurance and it's a stinky thing. I researched all the national insurance companies and so forth, and got decent rates but was turned down because of my adoption plans. They're private so they can be picky. I finally signed on with my state's Blue Cross Blue Shield plan and it's affordable. ($180 per month to be exact -- medical and prescription.)
It's a disgrace.Even if you get COBRA coverage that only lasts for 18 months. We are semi-retired, self employed and buy our own insurance now that COBRA is not available. We've opted for high deductible insurance and a health care savings account and it's still obscenely expensive.
We'll figure it out, Mama. At the very least, we'll do your laundry and feed you. And we have extra aspirin.
Keep your son the doctor on speed dial!!
I have no advice.
I live in Canada.
sigh.
Sorry you are having a difficult time with that, hope it all works out.
Before I read this post, I read your previous one about how you used to just take a gander across the street the visit the local GP, but how those days have gone.
I now live in a small town in Austria, and I'm grateful that they still have doctors here who make housecalls, and where you don't need to book a month in advance for an appointment.
When I needed major surgery two years ago, my family wanted me to rush back home to the US, but I refused. When my sister came over to be with me, she told me over and over "now I understand why you wanted to be here." -- top notch facilities, top notch surgeons, and still able to treat patients like the human beings we are.
But when my faithful country doctor asked last week if I have private insurance or an HMO, my heart sank... I guess it was only a matter of time...
mater! i am late to this post because i've been out of blogland for too many days. i live in MA and got my family plan with Harvard Pilgrim for $920/mo. i KNOW, it's insane, but my point is that you might be able to get something for less than $550/mo that offers decent healthcare for an individual. i did mine through the SBSB. they have access to many many different plans and providers. we ended up getting the Harvard Pilgrim Best Buy HMO and it's better than what we had two months ago.
Here's the latest: moving boxes in various stages of construction all throughout the apartment. Farewell party given by department and quite a lovely reception. Senior files still being audited and students still being "advised". Resumes and cover letters sent to various schools and agencies in the new location. Dental care under COBRA affordable for next 18 months. No major medical yet but new job (whenever it finds me) may solve that problem, or may not. To-do lists still being made. Much ado about "to do". More friends coming this weekend as the final countdown begins. Weeding through and throwing out of tons of paperwork still behind schedule (except at office where I made a large dent today). Bowling ball assigned to throwaway. Amen.
Thank you so much for the info on healthcare options - as I see it: consider Blue Cross and Harvard or become a pilgrim and move to Austria :>)
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