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Just thinking aloud in a virtual sort of way...

February 22nd, 2008 at 05:30 pm

The medications & supplies I use cost $1800 to $2000 a month and that doesn't include physician visits or lab work. When I didn't work and DH's business had a loss I qualified for free medications and supplies through the pharmaceuticals. Now that I'm working I still qualify but barely and if I keep the job and make more money the time will come when I don't qualify. As DH's business grows and profits the chances of my qualifying become slimmer, also, but the point at which that becomes an issue is a ways off.

I talked to the benefits department of my employer this morning and I'll qualify for health benefits in July. The choices are fairly limited, too, and regardless of which plan I choose, after the $30 co-payment, the company will only pay $500 maximum annually for prescriptions. I'll use that the first month so that option isn't a good one. Insurance through the state's high risk pool will cost me about $800 a month. There just isn't a good option from what I can see.

It's ridiculous but it seems as though I'm better off not working. I don't want to not work but I don't want to not get my medications, either.

If you have thoughts on this, please share them with me...

Posted in General Expenses, Just Life | 4 Comments »

4 Responses to “Just thinking aloud in a virtual sort of way...”

  1. Aleta Says:
    February 22nd, 2008 at 05:52 pm 1203702743
    1203702743

    So many people are in your exact situation. I know of a couple that won't get married because she would lose her medical benefit like you. She has a problem with her heart and could not qualify if she was married. It seems that's like a marriage penalty type of thing as well. It's also the reason some women don't want to get married. I'm not saying it's the right thing to do. I'm just saying that is why people do what they do. This same lady babysits.

  2. Caoineag Says:
    February 22nd, 2008 at 06:00 pm 1203703254
    1203703254

    Have you checked with the pharmaceuticals to see if they have a discount program (for when you no longer qualify for free)? Have you checked to see if your prescriptions are some of the ones that walmart sells for $4 or even at a discount(how I used to get mine when lacking insurance)? Have you checked to see if there are local non-profit organizations that can assist you with this problem?

    It sounds like you are saying that your state's high risk pool is not income dependent. If so, there should be someone out there offering income dependent assistance. Be aware though, when you become eligible for health insurance through work, you should probably get it. I know it won't save you on the medications, but it can save you on a lot of other things. Hospital bills can add up fast.

  3. fern Says:
    February 22nd, 2008 at 06:25 pm 1203704717
    1203704717

    Well, i have MS as you may know, and my meds cost me $1200 a month as i recall. My isurnace pays most of it; by using mailorder pharmacy, i pay $75 for a 3-month supply. So going without insurance is not an option. I'm in the same boat. I could have made a better go at freelancing from home if it weren't for the hight cost of health insurance when you're not on a group plan, and for a pre-existing condition, it's even more challenging to get that coverage.

    Aside from going generic whenever possible, checking the formularies (list of $4 drugs) at Target and Wal-Mart, I would say vote for a Democrat this year and we'll stand a better chance of much-needed healthcare reform in this country. Oh, and if by not working you can keep your coverage, i say don't work.

  4. scfr Says:
    February 22nd, 2008 at 09:42 pm 1203716575
    1203716575

    Does your employer offer a HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan)? If so, you may have another option. If not, I won't bore you with the details.

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