Hey I'm Bouzer

[bouzer]

Well I'm sure this has been a popular topic, but I was recently laid off and now I've lost my insurance coverage. I have a great doctor that can supply some of my meds, but my wife and I need to be covered some how if there is an emergency. The premiums here in Arizona are really really expensive. Any ideas out there?
Thanks,
Bouzer

[A_Darling]

Have you looked into COBRA coverage while you are out of work?
It's not cheap, but it's coverage and it's law.


Fact Sheet: Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/fscobra.html)
COBRA Law Federal (http://www.healthinsurancefinders.com/cr_cobra_federal.html)

[DanG]

Any ideas out there?

No ideas from me, but I have been wondering what I will do in that situation.
My thinking is that I will take it like many many other persons on the planet have done - get smart. I mean, we can each live with less, and perhaps less food, and less insulin is possible - or, whatever. What we experience today is not all that can be experienced - we are quite adaptable as humans but we rarely stress the systems much beyond what we have been doing for the past 30 years, or whatever. I think we will each learn a lot about ourselves and many others around us when/if this happens. Although... the news story I heard today about the 1918 flu pandemic was not heartening - I guess everyone learned to look out for #1 and left any and all around them to fend for themselves. That is one side of humanity that is clearly possible and an element we don't expect but that element of humanity is certainly another thing we can learn to deal with.

[genie86333]

Hi, Bouser.

I'm not sure what part of AZ you're from, but I know Yavapai County has a pretty good health department. They *used* to have a mobile clinic that went around & they had deal with Safeway to fill all their prescriptions for really cheap (I think it was $4.) - not sure if they still do that or not as I had insurance the last 3 years I lived in AZ.

Perhaps other counties in AZ have something similar, if you don't happen to live in Yavapai county.

[bouzer]

Thanks Genie,
I have a good friend in my doctor, so meds aren't too much trouble. I'm more concerned about getting sick or hurt and not having coverage. I'm looking for anything that is affordable.
Thanks again.
Bouzer

[inkvisitor]

Are you eligible for medicare? (there is an eligibility tool/worksheet on the web site).
COBRA is temporary, but if you can afford the premiums, it could be a short term solution.
Are you on any medications that would be a red flag to US insurance companies (like most of us diabetics are)?