Community Forum

 My daughter has had Crohns for 7 years. This current school year (2008-2009)she was a 1st year teacher in S.C. She had a severe flare up in March, and was hospitalized from March 25 thru April 28. She found out on May 1, that she will not be recontracted for the next school year, and her insurance will cease as of June 30th. Are there any alternatives for insurance? Crohns, as you all know is a very EXPENSIVE illness. Also does anyone know of any teaching jobs in the low country?

I live in Michigan and have spent the last month down there helping her while she was hospitalized and when she came home...I am intereseted in starting sometime of an awareness group in Southwestern Michigan, if there is anyone out here who would also like to see something get started on this side of the state, please contact me!

 Reply posted for KellsMom.

I have been without insurance since November 2008, and it has been difficult because no insurance company wants to cover people with Crohn's disease. However, while searching through the CCFA website, I found that each state has either a High Risk Pool or a Mini-Med Plan (defined benefits). These are apparently benefits for people like us who are "uninsurable." I am looking into that now, and hope to find some good results. The website is:  http://www.healthinsurance.org/risk_pools/  and http://www.healthinsurance.org/defined-benefit-health-plans/

Michigan does not have a High Risk Pool, but South Carolina does: 

South Carolina Health Insurance Pool
Toll-free Phone 1-800-868-2500, ext. 42757, or 1-803-788-0500, ext. 42757 

Hope this helps!

 Reply posted for KellsMom.

There is something called the Health Risk Pool insurance offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.  I am not sure if someone from out of state can get this but it might be worth a shot.  This is insurance for those who cannot get insurance due to a pre-existing condition or are condidered "uninsurable".  The premiums are kinda high and so is the dectuable but it is better than not having any insurace at all.  It helped me out when I got Crohn's.  Also if you don't let more than 3 months (90 days) laps from the time that your current insurance ends until the next insurance goes into effect, then you should still be able to get regular insurance without Crohn's being considered pre-existing.  Hope that helps. 

 Reply posted for KellsMom.

 I also have been living with Crohns and no Insurance. I have found that the manufactures of medicines have different programs available for medication assistance. I have been living through these programs for nearly a year and have found them to be extremely helpful, they do require that you fill out various forms in order to find out if you qualify. I definitely know Humira offers assistance as I'm currently in the process of recieving this program through Abbott. I do know that Walmart and Target have the four dollar refills available to everyone. They have most antibiotics and Steriods. As far as doctors visits I've been seeing GI doctors through my hospital clinics. I have been struggling to find a new insurance carrier that will take me due to the Crohns as they feel me to be a liability. Im hoping that this information can help best of luck to you.

 Reply posted for KellsMom.

Cobra and the "help" plan- the school district will have submit your daughter's name and info for this benefit.  It is pretty simple, just make sure it happens. I live in the upstate of SC.  Unfortunatly I have not heard of any teaching positions available.  Feel free to email me.  I have Crohn's and I continue to learn more and more.  If your daughter needs me, let me know.  My daughter lived and went to school in MyrtleBeach for 5 years.  Hubby heading to Beaufort for a fishin' weekend.  Lived in Charleston for the summers for a number of years. 

Breezy (Wendy)

mizgarnet@yahoo.com

 Reply posted for KellsMom.

How about area hospitals that may be doing clinical research studies on the disease?  They are always looking for participants and although alot are looking for mainly contributing blood for the study, they offer medication to work with the condition the patient has at no charge. 

Just a thought............

 Reply posted for KellsMom.

I don't know if your daughter would be willing to relocate, but I am a teacher in Texas and we are always hiring here. There has not been a major change in the economy here and so we have luckily avoided the layoffs.

 Reply posted for KellsMom.

I don't know about getting other insurance but I do know that if COBRA insurance is offered to her there are now programs out there to help supplement the amount.  They were put into effect by Obama but I don't know where you would go to get the information.  Maybe someone else will.

Gina