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Health Insurance - please help!


Tue, February 08, 2011 11:51 AM

Hello all,

I have Crohn's and I  am going to be turning 26 in April, which means I will no longer be covered under my dad's health insurance. I am in graduate school now and do not graduate until June, which means no chance of me getting a job until sometime this summer. This could leave me without health insurance for several months. I am currently having Remicade infusions every 8 weeks, which can cost up to $5,500 per infusion, and there is no way I can cover this cost independently without coverage.

Does anyone have advice on what I should do? I have heard that most private insurances will not cover people with pre-existing conditions, and I do not qualify for the high-risk pool insurance until I am uninsured for 6 months.

Please help, I am overcome with stress just thinking about all of this!

FPO lp
Joined Jun 5, 2010

Tue, February 08, 2011 7:21 PM

 Reply posted for LP.

Are you sure you can't still be covered under your dad's insurance if you are still in school?  Or Cobra? 

I also took remicade(allergic now), but used their Remistart program..

centocoraccessone.com...here's the link!  Good luck!

FPO smiller68
Joined Dec 3, 2008

Tue, February 08, 2011 12:28 PM

 Reply posted for LP.

Good grief - sorry for the 3 posts - I just reread your initial post and see that you have already started.  So DEFINITELY give them a call so you can be prepared for the "gap".  I hope you are doing well & wish you good luck on the job search!!!

Claire's Mom

FPO azmom
Joined Jul 20, 2009

Tue, February 08, 2011 12:26 PM

 Reply posted for LP.

I looked on their website to try to help you and can't find the specific parameters for assistance.  But they do provide this phone number for non treatment related questions so this might be the place to start, should you go forward.

Phone

Information for REMICADE: 1-888-779-9769

Take care,

Claire's Mom

FPO azmom
Joined Jul 20, 2009

Tue, February 08, 2011 12:23 PM

 Reply posted for LP.

Well amidst all the craziness of healthcare reform and the president, there is some good news.  As of January 1, insurance companies can no longer impose pre-existing conditions when you become insured.  Keep a close eye on that in case things change.  But right now you are okay from that aspect.

If you do choose to proceed with Remicade, they do have a patient assistance plan that should help you!  Be sure and check it out. 

Claire's Mom

FPO azmom
Joined Jul 20, 2009

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