Re: On Seeking counseling and medical options
Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 12:16 am
Chibiabos, it sounds like you might qualify for Medicaid, at least until you find work. You can probably find the eligibility requirements and application procedures for your state on the internet.
Most people who have medical insurance get it through their employer. When looking for work, you should make the availability of medical insurance one of your search criteria. Don't take take a job where you wouldn't get it.
A third option is to apply for disability coverage through Social Security. If your doctors are willing to write supporting letters, this would help qualify you for a disability pension (even though you're young). You could still get a job, so long as the nature of your disability didn't disqualify you. Check the web site of the Social Security Administration.
A fourth option is to check the hospitals nearest you for free clinics. At many leading hospitals, the best doctors volunteer part of their time to give free care to the indigent. Again, you might be temporarily qualified.
If you get a job without medical coverage, you could still explore getting private coverage. In many states (check the rules in yours), there are now laws saying that no one can be denied medical insurance because of pre-existing conditions. There is an "insurer of last resort" assigned by the state government to offer such policies. Sadly, the premiums on such policies are usually quite high, because of the presumed risk to the insurer, but it's still available.
Many insurance policies allow people to cover their dependent children for a supplemental premium. If your parents can still claim you as a tax deduction, and they have medical insurance, you might agree to reimburse them for the added monthly cost of your coverage.
Finally, check out group policies available through organizations. Many organizations representing special groups sponsor inexpensive coverage for their members. For example, the AARP (I know you're too young to join) sponsors medical coverage; so do many college alumni associations, clubs, fraternal groups, etc. Check out what you can join that offers coverage, and don't be above joining just to get it.
Good luck with your troubles. You have friends here at EA.
Most people who have medical insurance get it through their employer. When looking for work, you should make the availability of medical insurance one of your search criteria. Don't take take a job where you wouldn't get it.
A third option is to apply for disability coverage through Social Security. If your doctors are willing to write supporting letters, this would help qualify you for a disability pension (even though you're young). You could still get a job, so long as the nature of your disability didn't disqualify you. Check the web site of the Social Security Administration.
A fourth option is to check the hospitals nearest you for free clinics. At many leading hospitals, the best doctors volunteer part of their time to give free care to the indigent. Again, you might be temporarily qualified.
If you get a job without medical coverage, you could still explore getting private coverage. In many states (check the rules in yours), there are now laws saying that no one can be denied medical insurance because of pre-existing conditions. There is an "insurer of last resort" assigned by the state government to offer such policies. Sadly, the premiums on such policies are usually quite high, because of the presumed risk to the insurer, but it's still available.
Many insurance policies allow people to cover their dependent children for a supplemental premium. If your parents can still claim you as a tax deduction, and they have medical insurance, you might agree to reimburse them for the added monthly cost of your coverage.
Finally, check out group policies available through organizations. Many organizations representing special groups sponsor inexpensive coverage for their members. For example, the AARP (I know you're too young to join) sponsors medical coverage; so do many college alumni associations, clubs, fraternal groups, etc. Check out what you can join that offers coverage, and don't be above joining just to get it.
Good luck with your troubles. You have friends here at EA.
