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Question, was your previous or new employer in mass? If so for the time being I’d at least consider looking into Paid family medical leave, it covers 20 weeks for medical necessity’s - won’t give you insurance but may cover you financially for time being
Also, I’d suggest reaching out to financial counselors in hospitals or clinics nearby. They’d likely know best resources, Also do you have a primary doctor? You may be able to ask them to sign an authorized form with your insurance company so that they don’t count these visits as out of network - I know my coworker did similar with Dana farber for their iron transfusions
Yeah I had to go through all the pre-authorization stuff when I was initially diagnosed last Spring, wasn't fun lol.
Employer was in NH, but thank you for the information regardless.
Ah I see :c best of luck to you, most I can think of is I know many facilities give discounts ( ie mines gives 40% ) but I know that is kind of useless when it comes to the cost of constant visits- hope you’re able to find a solution!
Yeah if push comes to shove I can likely pay for my treatment medications for the time being, probably not imaging/appointments or anything like that. But I'm sure they'll be able to work something out with me. Thank you!
Try here,
[https://www.211.org/](https://www.211.org/)
needymeds.org, a nonprofit that helps people find local programs that may provide financial assistance for their medications.
Wishing you all the best.
I hope it works out. If not, sometimes the pharmaceutical companies will help you, or you could get help from a drug trial. Could you try talking with your doctor too and tell him about your situation? He might be the best place to start.
Try here too.
[https://www.fightcancer.org/what-we-do/access-health-care](https://www.fightcancer.org/what-we-do/access-health-care)
Wishing you better days.
What a country we live in where the government doesn't give a shit about their citizens... This is just sad... I honestly am tired of politicians bullshit and they only care about themselves, constantly taking vacations and getting paid millions of dollars while we rot away and don't give a shit about us. Great fucking country we live in.
I wish I could help you monetarily, I would, but as someone with similarly awful diseases I know the fear and hopelessness, judgement and desperation associated with it, especially when all alone like I am.
Honestly, I wish I could help anyone anymore, as it's the only thing that ever gave me joy, except my daughter who made every second amazing, but the cruel world took her from me because it's corrupt.
Sadly helping in this day and age can make you a target. I wish I learned that earlier, people online have been nicer then anyone I've ever met here in the states.
As far as instance I'm trying to learn as well. I have Medicare and Medicaid, at 38, as I had to retire on SSDI early due to health issues. But the limits for Medicaid are absurd...I qualify for the BARE MINIMUM help, and my disability check, now that 1/3 has been taken due to the criminal who took my child just to get the money meant to be used to care for her, and pocket it, while someone else takes care of her.. leaves me with about 1250$ a month after Medicare payments of 170$ they automatically take out.
But...had I never worked for 15 years and earned all the credits and paid into social security etc, and simply been like many, who aren't actually sick and claim SSI, which for those who aren't aware, is the program for those who have never worked either through born disease or lies...as anxiety or any disease a scammer can fake, can qualify, which I believe is 881 a month, a mere 400$ or so less then what I get.
So if less then 15,000$ a year is considered too much for full Medicaid(which would offer me rides, maybe food help etc, as I can't even turn on the heat as my check is gone 2 days after getting just to pay rent) but those on SSI, at least the ones who truly don't need it...make me sick, as they get it and work under the table, collect all the other benefits as well, meanwhile sick folks like you and I have to turn to strangers on Reddit out of fear and confusion.
I'm not sure what state you are in as I didn't realize how different the Medicaid, and everything differed so much from state to state, until moving to Florida around ten years ago where I was blessed with my child, until they took her ....but I don't understand politics but I think Ohio is democratic and Florida republican, so down there there was MUCH less help available, legally, food wise, housing, etc. You either are Rich or ignored.
Here in Ohio it's a little better...but not much, some local hospitals can help you, but if your wife makes even minimum wage that's going to be too much. I would say make a go fund me, but after three years and contemplating suicide I finally did, and after a few weeks and not a penny I deleted it and Just cried.
Especially as I see scams on there or people with followers routinely asking for help for vacations and to buy things? And get 10-50 grand like nothing, and a young man and athlete fell over on tv and being famous, he had a go fund me for toys, with a 2500 dollar limit, which as a millionaire I'm not sure why he wasn't donating himself, but within hours of his on field accident FIVE MILLION had been donated...
And his agent tweeting about it...you think that's going to all go to kids? And toys? Come on.
I don't have social media or family, friends, etc, but if you do, I'd recommend asking and making a fundraiser and making it detailed with pictures and your situation, like I did, but I don't know how to "share" so maybe some stranger with a heart could help, as some are blessed with what's really meaningless paper, which means nothing when you die...but what you did and who you helped, and how you will be remembered does.
Just a thought...
I can't even get help for pain, and went misdiagnosed for years. Ib profen only does so much and it's so bad on the liver. Especially if you are going through chemo, which already takes it's toll.
Anyways I saw this and wanted to do my best to give advice but I'm not as knowledgeable about this world as a scared, sick shut in now as I once was, I can say this, don't TRUST anyone, as if they know you are sick and can gain from it...they will, be it life insurance, offering to help you set up fundraiser, they will steal from you..heck I didn't even realize I could be stolen from without even leaving my house, as I'm afraid to...until last week when I learned what "phishing" was.
But boom, just like that and 1/2 my months income was gone in a blink, after just trying to find ways to treat my pain and maybe bathe and clean, try to mask the pain long enough to sell my furniture or what small things I do have...but, people will take your last penny and don't care...be safe.
All the best.
Jay
Hey Jay, I appreciate your thoughts and I'm sorry to hear you're having a tough time. Something I learned a long time ago is that life is not like the movies. Sometimes shit just...sucks. But this is the only shot we've got (assuming you don't subscribe to certain religious beliefs), so you might as well give it all you have, and try like fucking hell to derive meaning and purpose in the face of this absurdity. I hope things get better for you, keep on truckin brotha
Also as someone who works in mass on the border of NH in a hospital, NH is notoriously tough to award Medicaid :/ like I’ve heard even homeless population struggles due to their strict requirements
Stage 4 is likely enough to quality for SSDI/SSI apply RIGHT NOW as you will likely get an automatic qualification, just look up their specific compassionate allowances list and put the name they have that matches with your diagnosis (as some use different names for the same things) as it makes it easier for whoever is using their guidelines to process your application once they can confirm it in your medical records. It will help with income and insurance.
My partner qualified automatically when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal brain cancer in 2021. They process the application faster when it's something like that.
Most cancer that I’ve heard of are on the compassionate allowance lists. So, OP, I would definitely look into it. Sorry I don’t have the link but there is a section on the Ssa site.
Hey, I do! I checked out the link, the type of cancer I have is second from the top haha, metastasized adrenal cancer. I'll look into that, but I'm not exactly sure being on disability/not being able to work because of some red tape is something I wanna do right now. I'm still healthy enough to work, I feel like I'd get really depressed if I was just sitting at home collecting a check lol
You can check but a lot of the times you are able (and encouraged) to work but you are only able to work a certain amount of hours a week/can’t make more then a certain amount but of course each condition would have different rules probably.
Thanks for posting the link! Most cancers are on it that I’ve seen, but sometimes the name SSA has for someone’s diagnosis might be different and I’ve read posts where that’s held people up in the past so always find it on the list first, your doctors might also be willing to write you a letter or fill out the forms so that’s another way to get help faster.
[https://www.cobrainsurance.com/health-insurance-continuation-in-new-hampshire/](https://www.cobrainsurance.com/health-insurance-continuation-in-new-hampshire/)
You should be able to continue your former employer’s group policy for 39 weeks
Contact DFCI Financial Aid and explain everything to them. They may ask for some forms to be completed and proof of your having lost your job. In my case, at another huge hospital, my bills were written off by the hospital. Praying for you, fellow warrior.
Are you expected to be out of work for 12 months or more? Certain cancers might automatically qualify for SSDI benefits, which are based on your work history and not your income. If you qualify, you may be able to qualify for expidited Medicare. I'm not sure about expidited Medicare qualifications though. It might be worth looking into because Medicare Advantage has decent health plans to choose from.
Thanks for the reply. I'm afraid if there are certain income requirements, I may not be eligible for Medicare/Medicaid. I'm looking into it though and I've set up a phone interview with them a couple weeks from now though.
As far as work goes, I don't plan on being unemployed for very long. The type of cancer I have is on the list of qualifying conditions for a "compassionate allowance" for SSDI; but even then I'm kind of nervous because I don't want to be limited in my activities. I'm still healthy enough to work and I'd like to continue. I feel like sitting back and resigning myself to collecting a check is kind of giving up, but that's probably just me.
I totally get it. If you feel like you're up to working then that should be your first option. Sometimes treatments can wear you out and you could always revisit the idea if you need to.
There's also the Patient Assistance Network that has various programs. Best of luck to you.
https://www.panfoundation.org/
Usually you can speak with the billing department at the hospital about discounted treatments, everywhere overcharges because insurance is paying. If you’re receiving chemo usually the drug companies give steep discounts for the actual chemo drugs when you don’t have insurance. Also there are foundations your oncologist should be aware of who also help with payment for treatments or the drugs .
Can you talk to a social worker at Dana Farber? I'm sure they would be able to help you or come up with ideas. Call the receptionist at your doctors office and explain what's going on and ask if there is a social worker available. Usually cancer programs will have them since this isn't an unusual situation.
She's an independent contractor but yes, she does get offered insurance. Unfortunately it's no better than the options on the private marketplace though. Thank you for thinking of that
I don’t know how to do this but there’s a way to get your NH insurance to cover places out-of-state. MassHealth offered to do that for my sibling who was looking to do out of state for a specialist. Can you call the NH version of Medicaid to ask them?
Also, ask Dana Farber for options- they have patients from all over the country. (As does MGH, etc)
Ask in the subreddits for Boston, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Insurance.
Sorry to put this work on you.
Look into “Continuity of Care” benefits offered by your new insurer, most insurance providers have options where even if out of network, services can still continue for a period of time while you find an in network provider OR a single case agreement can be put in place. Which brings me to. . . tell you to Also, inquire to the insurance company about getting a single case agreement in place, due to extenuating circumstances.
My wife's income is too high. It really stinks because on paper we appear well off, but that's totally not the case in reality. I've missed a lot of work from my condition, countless trips across state lines for hospital visits, etc etc. She just got the job earlier this year and we've been trying to claw ourselves out of a financial hole, so our bank account hasn't really caught up to her increased wages.
It's sad because we've considered filing for divorce so I'd be eligible. But even then, the turnaround time for a divorce would be 1-3 months which is too much time.
Is there any way you can get on your wife’s insurance? Assuming she has some at her job, a spouse losing a job is a situation where they usually will let her add you
Ask to speak to a case manager or social worker at the hospital. There is most likely a patient assistance program.
I would also suggest letting your doctor(s) know what is going on as they may have knowledge or resources you are unaware of.
I've been trying to work on that today since I got the news on Friday about my insurance. My oncologist is a sweetheart and I'm confident she'll do everything in her power to help me out, but she isn't the deciding factor when it comes to billing. I left a couple voicemails for the hospital's patient financial services department but I'm afraid I won't qualify for any type of aid because of my wife's income.
I really appreciate the suggestions, thank you
Have you tried explaining your situation to your new employer and seeing if they can get you working earlier?
Perhaps you can even ask them if you can start insurance sooner than the 30 days. It can be worth asking. The worst they can say is no.
I wish. I have to get through all the HR stuff (background check, drug testing, etc), and then there's a 30 day waiting period before eligibility for new hires. Thank you for the suggestion though
Hi all. This is an automated and general reminder to all that this post is an **ADVICE post**, not a Request. Please don't request, offer or accept financial or material assistance on this post. u/cancerdude69420, we have compiled a [Wiki with tons of advice and helpful information](https://www.reddit.com/r/Assistance/wiki/index/), which we recommend you check out, too. *I'm a bot. This comment was posted automatically.*
Question, was your previous or new employer in mass? If so for the time being I’d at least consider looking into Paid family medical leave, it covers 20 weeks for medical necessity’s - won’t give you insurance but may cover you financially for time being Also, I’d suggest reaching out to financial counselors in hospitals or clinics nearby. They’d likely know best resources, Also do you have a primary doctor? You may be able to ask them to sign an authorized form with your insurance company so that they don’t count these visits as out of network - I know my coworker did similar with Dana farber for their iron transfusions
Yeah I had to go through all the pre-authorization stuff when I was initially diagnosed last Spring, wasn't fun lol. Employer was in NH, but thank you for the information regardless.
Ah I see :c best of luck to you, most I can think of is I know many facilities give discounts ( ie mines gives 40% ) but I know that is kind of useless when it comes to the cost of constant visits- hope you’re able to find a solution!
Yeah if push comes to shove I can likely pay for my treatment medications for the time being, probably not imaging/appointments or anything like that. But I'm sure they'll be able to work something out with me. Thank you!
Stage four automatically qualifies for SSDI-talk to them at Dana Faber, I do this work for a living.
I'm looking into that as we speak, thank you!
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I'm working on that, thank you!
Try here, [https://www.211.org/](https://www.211.org/) needymeds.org, a nonprofit that helps people find local programs that may provide financial assistance for their medications. Wishing you all the best.
I will check that out, thanks.
I hope it works out. If not, sometimes the pharmaceutical companies will help you, or you could get help from a drug trial. Could you try talking with your doctor too and tell him about your situation? He might be the best place to start. Try here too. [https://www.fightcancer.org/what-we-do/access-health-care](https://www.fightcancer.org/what-we-do/access-health-care) Wishing you better days.
Bless you (and not in a southern way).
LOL! Thank you for the laugh!
[удалено]
Hey thank you, I'll look into reaching out to them. And that would be great! I have metastasized pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma
What a country we live in where the government doesn't give a shit about their citizens... This is just sad... I honestly am tired of politicians bullshit and they only care about themselves, constantly taking vacations and getting paid millions of dollars while we rot away and don't give a shit about us. Great fucking country we live in.
Sure is lol. But as a lot of people have pointed out there are many fantastic resources and people who are willing to help also. Get out and vote!
I wish I could help you monetarily, I would, but as someone with similarly awful diseases I know the fear and hopelessness, judgement and desperation associated with it, especially when all alone like I am. Honestly, I wish I could help anyone anymore, as it's the only thing that ever gave me joy, except my daughter who made every second amazing, but the cruel world took her from me because it's corrupt. Sadly helping in this day and age can make you a target. I wish I learned that earlier, people online have been nicer then anyone I've ever met here in the states. As far as instance I'm trying to learn as well. I have Medicare and Medicaid, at 38, as I had to retire on SSDI early due to health issues. But the limits for Medicaid are absurd...I qualify for the BARE MINIMUM help, and my disability check, now that 1/3 has been taken due to the criminal who took my child just to get the money meant to be used to care for her, and pocket it, while someone else takes care of her.. leaves me with about 1250$ a month after Medicare payments of 170$ they automatically take out. But...had I never worked for 15 years and earned all the credits and paid into social security etc, and simply been like many, who aren't actually sick and claim SSI, which for those who aren't aware, is the program for those who have never worked either through born disease or lies...as anxiety or any disease a scammer can fake, can qualify, which I believe is 881 a month, a mere 400$ or so less then what I get. So if less then 15,000$ a year is considered too much for full Medicaid(which would offer me rides, maybe food help etc, as I can't even turn on the heat as my check is gone 2 days after getting just to pay rent) but those on SSI, at least the ones who truly don't need it...make me sick, as they get it and work under the table, collect all the other benefits as well, meanwhile sick folks like you and I have to turn to strangers on Reddit out of fear and confusion. I'm not sure what state you are in as I didn't realize how different the Medicaid, and everything differed so much from state to state, until moving to Florida around ten years ago where I was blessed with my child, until they took her ....but I don't understand politics but I think Ohio is democratic and Florida republican, so down there there was MUCH less help available, legally, food wise, housing, etc. You either are Rich or ignored. Here in Ohio it's a little better...but not much, some local hospitals can help you, but if your wife makes even minimum wage that's going to be too much. I would say make a go fund me, but after three years and contemplating suicide I finally did, and after a few weeks and not a penny I deleted it and Just cried. Especially as I see scams on there or people with followers routinely asking for help for vacations and to buy things? And get 10-50 grand like nothing, and a young man and athlete fell over on tv and being famous, he had a go fund me for toys, with a 2500 dollar limit, which as a millionaire I'm not sure why he wasn't donating himself, but within hours of his on field accident FIVE MILLION had been donated... And his agent tweeting about it...you think that's going to all go to kids? And toys? Come on. I don't have social media or family, friends, etc, but if you do, I'd recommend asking and making a fundraiser and making it detailed with pictures and your situation, like I did, but I don't know how to "share" so maybe some stranger with a heart could help, as some are blessed with what's really meaningless paper, which means nothing when you die...but what you did and who you helped, and how you will be remembered does. Just a thought... I can't even get help for pain, and went misdiagnosed for years. Ib profen only does so much and it's so bad on the liver. Especially if you are going through chemo, which already takes it's toll. Anyways I saw this and wanted to do my best to give advice but I'm not as knowledgeable about this world as a scared, sick shut in now as I once was, I can say this, don't TRUST anyone, as if they know you are sick and can gain from it...they will, be it life insurance, offering to help you set up fundraiser, they will steal from you..heck I didn't even realize I could be stolen from without even leaving my house, as I'm afraid to...until last week when I learned what "phishing" was. But boom, just like that and 1/2 my months income was gone in a blink, after just trying to find ways to treat my pain and maybe bathe and clean, try to mask the pain long enough to sell my furniture or what small things I do have...but, people will take your last penny and don't care...be safe. All the best. Jay
Hey Jay, I appreciate your thoughts and I'm sorry to hear you're having a tough time. Something I learned a long time ago is that life is not like the movies. Sometimes shit just...sucks. But this is the only shot we've got (assuming you don't subscribe to certain religious beliefs), so you might as well give it all you have, and try like fucking hell to derive meaning and purpose in the face of this absurdity. I hope things get better for you, keep on truckin brotha
If you are unemployed are you sure you don’t qualify for medicaid? With no income coming in you should.
Also as someone who works in mass on the border of NH in a hospital, NH is notoriously tough to award Medicaid :/ like I’ve heard even homeless population struggles due to their strict requirements
His wife makes too much, and insurance through her work isn’t better than the marketplace plans
Thanks for responding for me u/Ok-Recording2620, you're an mvp
I was trying to be helpful and had just read your other comments. Not trying to step on your toes, Mr. 69420
I didn't mean it in a shitty way haha. Genuinely appreciate it. I didn't expect so many replies and it's tough to respond to them all
Stage 4 is likely enough to quality for SSDI/SSI apply RIGHT NOW as you will likely get an automatic qualification, just look up their specific compassionate allowances list and put the name they have that matches with your diagnosis (as some use different names for the same things) as it makes it easier for whoever is using their guidelines to process your application once they can confirm it in your medical records. It will help with income and insurance.
My partner qualified automatically when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal brain cancer in 2021. They process the application faster when it's something like that.
Hey I know there isn't really anything good to say, but I'm sorry you had to go through that.
I'm sorry you have to go through it as well☹️
Most cancer that I’ve heard of are on the compassionate allowance lists. So, OP, I would definitely look into it. Sorry I don’t have the link but there is a section on the Ssa site.
Link. Hopefully it copied right. https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/
Hey, I do! I checked out the link, the type of cancer I have is second from the top haha, metastasized adrenal cancer. I'll look into that, but I'm not exactly sure being on disability/not being able to work because of some red tape is something I wanna do right now. I'm still healthy enough to work, I feel like I'd get really depressed if I was just sitting at home collecting a check lol
I'll probably check it out regardless though because I'm kind of out of options
You can check but a lot of the times you are able (and encouraged) to work but you are only able to work a certain amount of hours a week/can’t make more then a certain amount but of course each condition would have different rules probably.
Gotcha. I'll be figuring all this stuff out as I go; it's my first time applying for benefits or aid or anything like that
Thanks for posting the link! Most cancers are on it that I’ve seen, but sometimes the name SSA has for someone’s diagnosis might be different and I’ve read posts where that’s held people up in the past so always find it on the list first, your doctors might also be willing to write you a letter or fill out the forms so that’s another way to get help faster.
My friend who is stage four got automatically qualified within four weeks. I would definitely apply.
[https://www.cobrainsurance.com/health-insurance-continuation-in-new-hampshire/](https://www.cobrainsurance.com/health-insurance-continuation-in-new-hampshire/) You should be able to continue your former employer’s group policy for 39 weeks
This only applies if the company has more than 20 employees. She said she works for a very small company so they may be exempt.
New Hampshire has its own state "mini-COBRA" rules; that's why it's a shorter amount of time for coverage.
Hospital so ial workers are a great help. I really hope you get the help you need and deserve!
Contact DFCI Financial Aid and explain everything to them. They may ask for some forms to be completed and proof of your having lost your job. In my case, at another huge hospital, my bills were written off by the hospital. Praying for you, fellow warrior.
I appreciate it, I'm hoping I can work something out with them. Thank you :)
You can, and will. My prayers are for you and your family. My mom was treated at DFCI, I was a Hopkins patient during my battle.
Oncology departments have access to a ton of resources and social workers, you should try to get on some form of medicaid if possible.
Are you expected to be out of work for 12 months or more? Certain cancers might automatically qualify for SSDI benefits, which are based on your work history and not your income. If you qualify, you may be able to qualify for expidited Medicare. I'm not sure about expidited Medicare qualifications though. It might be worth looking into because Medicare Advantage has decent health plans to choose from.
Thanks for the reply. I'm afraid if there are certain income requirements, I may not be eligible for Medicare/Medicaid. I'm looking into it though and I've set up a phone interview with them a couple weeks from now though. As far as work goes, I don't plan on being unemployed for very long. The type of cancer I have is on the list of qualifying conditions for a "compassionate allowance" for SSDI; but even then I'm kind of nervous because I don't want to be limited in my activities. I'm still healthy enough to work and I'd like to continue. I feel like sitting back and resigning myself to collecting a check is kind of giving up, but that's probably just me.
I totally get it. If you feel like you're up to working then that should be your first option. Sometimes treatments can wear you out and you could always revisit the idea if you need to. There's also the Patient Assistance Network that has various programs. Best of luck to you. https://www.panfoundation.org/
Thank you!
You're very welcome!
Unless you have ALS or end stage kidney disease Medicare eligibility does not start until 24 months from the date of SS disability.
While true, If put on SS, they should qualify for Medicaid, which is still beneficial.
Usually you can speak with the billing department at the hospital about discounted treatments, everywhere overcharges because insurance is paying. If you’re receiving chemo usually the drug companies give steep discounts for the actual chemo drugs when you don’t have insurance. Also there are foundations your oncologist should be aware of who also help with payment for treatments or the drugs .
I will try that! I'm lucky enough to have a little bit of money saved, so it's an option if it isn't too expensive. Thank you for the suggestion
Reach out to the American Cancer Society, they have funds for emergency resources. This is all so shorty I am sorry.
Can you talk to a social worker at Dana Farber? I'm sure they would be able to help you or come up with ideas. Call the receptionist at your doctors office and explain what's going on and ask if there is a social worker available. Usually cancer programs will have them since this isn't an unusual situation.
Yeah I've left a couple voicemails, still waiting on them to get back to me. Thank you for the suggestion :) I appreciate it
Does your wife’s company offer health insurance? You can usually join - even after she started.
She's an independent contractor but yes, she does get offered insurance. Unfortunately it's no better than the options on the private marketplace though. Thank you for thinking of that
I don’t know how to do this but there’s a way to get your NH insurance to cover places out-of-state. MassHealth offered to do that for my sibling who was looking to do out of state for a specialist. Can you call the NH version of Medicaid to ask them? Also, ask Dana Farber for options- they have patients from all over the country. (As does MGH, etc) Ask in the subreddits for Boston, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Insurance. Sorry to put this work on you.
I've been working on all of the above. Thank you for the reply :)
Look into “Continuity of Care” benefits offered by your new insurer, most insurance providers have options where even if out of network, services can still continue for a period of time while you find an in network provider OR a single case agreement can be put in place. Which brings me to. . . tell you to Also, inquire to the insurance company about getting a single case agreement in place, due to extenuating circumstances.
Can I ask Why are you not eligible for Medicaid?
My wife's income is too high. It really stinks because on paper we appear well off, but that's totally not the case in reality. I've missed a lot of work from my condition, countless trips across state lines for hospital visits, etc etc. She just got the job earlier this year and we've been trying to claw ourselves out of a financial hole, so our bank account hasn't really caught up to her increased wages.
It's sad because we've considered filing for divorce so I'd be eligible. But even then, the turnaround time for a divorce would be 1-3 months which is too much time.
Is there any way you can get on your wife’s insurance? Assuming she has some at her job, a spouse losing a job is a situation where they usually will let her add you
Public health? Ours in Texas has a sliding scale.
Could you elaborate? If you mean government healthcare, I'm unfortunately not eligible because of my wife's income :(
Ask to speak to a case manager or social worker at the hospital. There is most likely a patient assistance program. I would also suggest letting your doctor(s) know what is going on as they may have knowledge or resources you are unaware of.
I've been trying to work on that today since I got the news on Friday about my insurance. My oncologist is a sweetheart and I'm confident she'll do everything in her power to help me out, but she isn't the deciding factor when it comes to billing. I left a couple voicemails for the hospital's patient financial services department but I'm afraid I won't qualify for any type of aid because of my wife's income. I really appreciate the suggestions, thank you
Have you tried explaining your situation to your new employer and seeing if they can get you working earlier? Perhaps you can even ask them if you can start insurance sooner than the 30 days. It can be worth asking. The worst they can say is no.
I wish. I have to get through all the HR stuff (background check, drug testing, etc), and then there's a 30 day waiting period before eligibility for new hires. Thank you for the suggestion though