Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

Health Insurance


Sun, April 27, 2008 3:06 PM

I'm surprised there is so little discussion on these boards about health insurance.  I recently resigned my job so I can return to school full-time.  So far I can't get individual coverage from any health insurance company because I have UC.  I've seen one suggestion to check with the Better Business Bureau and a local Chamber of Commerce - neither one offered any hope.


CCFA and all of us individuals should be putting pressure on Congress to get serious about the problem of health care in our country.  In the meantime, I'd be interested in hearing what others are doing to obtain health coverage.

FPO sbrav
Joined Apr 27, 2008

Tue, May 06, 2008 9:48 PM

 Reply posted for sbrav.

I know this might be stupid but are you guys saying that if i loose my job right now that I cant just go and buy health insurance for example at like ehealthinsurance.com because I have crohns and colitis? what do people do who cant afford cobra? How would i get my medicine? Would i have to go on welfare????? I hope that I do not loose my job, but i like to always be prepared, as well all know with this disease anything is possible:(

FPO jackie1980
Joined Jun 27, 2008

Mon, May 05, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for sbrav.

You should check with your school to see if they offer student health insurance.  All full-time students are elligible.  Just make sure you either pay for your current insurance through COBRA or find short term insurance so as not to have a lapse in coverage.  I suggest State Farm.  I found some affordable short term health insurance that was not great coverage, but did keep me from having a lapse until I found new group coverage. 

FPO araabe
Joined Apr 14, 2008

Fri, May 02, 2008 10:57 PM

 Reply posted for sbrav.

I was recently fired from a job I loved because I missed too much work.  I had not been there a year yet so FMLA did not help me.  I worked for an insurance company and had excellent insurance (technically I still do, as my mother is paying for my cobra and all my other expenses right now.)  My best hope now is SSI.  I suspect that many of us who are very ill are on SSI.  My own guess as to why there is not more talk of insurance is because it is the most depressing and frustrating aspect in many ways.  Not to have a cure is one thing, but have this dismal healthcare system is another.  I think we need to write our representatives and start complaing until this health care issue is fixed.  All other Western nations have a better system than this.  Best of luck.

FPO lxslxandr
Joined Apr 29, 2008

Tue, April 29, 2008 2:54 PM

 Reply posted for sbrav.

The State of Mayrland has MHIP you can acces it on the internet just by typing those letters..if you are not in MD your state may have a similar insurance available to you.  Carefirst Blue Cross is the provider.  My son is 24, he has been under a Cobra coverage for a year, it comes to an end this month..I applied for MHIP and he was approved specifically because he has UC. And it is less expensive than the regular coverage.

Good luck to you.

FPO karen
Joined Apr 29, 2008

Mon, April 28, 2008 9:35 PM

 Reply posted for sbrav.

I can totally relate I was told 10 years ago that I was uninsurable.and had met my life time cap I didn't even know such things existed. ( I have crohn's 16years). I was able to get coverage through the state I live in (MA) and once I was aproved for disability I now am covered by Medicare and Medicaid..Have you looked into getting assistance through the state you live? I agree something needs to be done, it's sad to think that some people have to choose between their medicine or being able to eat..It's time our goverment do something to ensure everyone has medicial coverage..But check into getting assistance from your state You have nothing to loose by applying

FPO jillgibson
Joined Apr 23, 2008

Related Topics

IBD and trauma
Author Image Janeliza
Joined Apr 13, 2022

Hi all! I've had Crohn's since 2014 with m....

read more

Life Insurance?
Author Image Aperson1
Joined Dec 2, 2022

40 y.o. male looking to get life insurance.  ....

read more

IBD and exercise/sport
Author Image JS25
Joined Aug 14, 2023

This is my first post. I am 28 and I was diagnosed....

read more