[Valarie250]

So, I have been building an amazing packet of information to send to Aetna- letters from several specialists, diet/exercise history... the works. The only problem is that my husband lost his job last week, and we no longer have Aetna!!! All of my hard work was wasted!

Now I'm trying to figure out how to come up with about 18k... with no income and crap credit...

On the bright side, hubbie is interviewing a lot this week and all of the jobs have been about twice as much as he was making... pray for him to get hired soon!

Also, darling Mom is looking into financing options- hopefully I'll be able to pay for a large chunk of the surgery if we finance.

Any of you ladies have to get creative to come up with the money?

Valarie

[jiffypop]

COBRA COBRA COBRA!!!! as part of the healthcare reform act we are now allowed to pay the premium if we move jobs [for whatever reason]. you have to do it when he officially separates, but you get the group rate, not the individual rate. and it lasts for 18 months.

this is ESSENTIAL for you to do, even if your husband lands a new job immediately. if there's a break in your insurance coverage, you can be denied care for pre-existing conditions. check with your state insurance board, however, because the rules differ from state to state.

but it's a federal law that you can take over the premiums from your hubby's current job and keep your health insurance.

[happydaisy]

Couldn't agree more with jiffy...For most companies you have 60 days between insurances before the pre-existing conditions clause applies. Once that clause is in effect you will have to wait 12-18 months with no complications from whatever condition you want treated before that insurance will pay for treatment. It would be difficult to justify WLS if you have had no complications for 12-18 months. I would call your husbands old HR department and ask when you can come by and pick up the COBRA packet. Don't wait for them to mail it because if there's any delays you may not meet those guidelines. Good luck and your hubby's job situation will be in my prayers.

[Valarie250]

Great advice, but I can't take it! Not only can we not afford $800/mo without income, but they won't let us switch to the PPO under COBRA! We've been fighting HR for over a month because we signed up for the PPO and they made a mistake and put us in the EPO... so now if we COBRA it is the EPO, which won't cover the surgery I think I'll take up a collection at church... I can put a pic of frowning on it and label it "Save Valarie's Sex Life!" Maybe people will donate just because I make them laugh!

Any other suggestions?

Valarie

[Mazarin]

Good luck, I hope you get sorted!

[iwasskinnyonce]

problem is that Cobra, allows companies to charge their premiums, so maybe a payment plan to the doctor?

[Valarie250]

I have managed to get together a good amount of money, and have a plan for getting surgery. My mom is trying to help...

Surgery is so close I can taste it, but if anything goes wrong between here and the table I'm back to zero

Hubbie is still looking for work- he's had some good interveiws, and we're keeping the faith... He'll find something soon

Anyway, I've not been checking in much recently... it's been kind of depressing to see a lot of people who have what I don't. Now that I have a plan it is a bit easier.

Valarie

[JustPeachie]

Hey Im sorry to hear about your set back. My insurance wouldnt cover my surgery. and I work for them. I went thru a group called Vocation Rehab. they have one for each state. and they would rather pay for your surgery than pay disability due to medical problems due to our weight. It took some time but they approved me. Its been 60 days now.. :O) if you want to tell me what state your in . Ill help you find the one in your area. Im not sure if im allowed to put websites on line not sure of the rules.. but it cant hurt to try thru them as it is a strong possibility that they will assit you.

[indigo child]

I've nothing to add but sending positive energy to you! Good luck!