What happens when you’re on an insurance plan and can’t work any more?4
Posted In physical disability
Question by HealthNut: What happens when you’re on an insurance plan and can’t work any more?
Hi–What happens if I’m on a medical insurance plan and am incapacitated (long-term) due to illness? I’m worried about this because I have a long, LONG history of both physical and emotional/mental health problems. I struggle daily with depression, and if I get too out of my “comfort zone,” anxiety can really take over and make my life HELL. OCD can flare up, and the anxiety can cause physical illness as well.
I work as a server and babysitter…needless to say, neither of those offer great options for financial security, and I am not yet eligible for the insurance plan from the serving job. I go off my parents’ insurance plan in October, and the health insurance from the restaurant won’t kick in ’til January. And then what happens if I get sick again and have to quit? I’m guessing the insurance wouldn’t cover me for long…?
Is there something I can buy independently, maybe? Some “long-term disability” health insurance company or plan? I know nothing about this stuff and just want to make sure I’m not left jobless AND med/doctorless…and input would be appreciated. Thanks!!!:)
Best answer:
Answer by merillo5
Apply for Medicaid.
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Under COBRA, you can pay the insurance premium yourself. Your employer must let you retain coverage for up to 18 months.
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.HTML
But most people without a job would have trouble. As the person above notes, apply for state aid.
Depression sucks!
I hope my personal experience helps:: DEPRESSION IS A CHOICE, but realizing it is a choice is necessary to get better. Some people may also require medical or psychological assistance, diet, and/or exercise. Good luck to you!
First, “disability” insurance pays a fixed amount or a percentage of what you used to earn; it is not health insurance and does not guarantee to pay enough for cover your health expenses.
Second, if you stop working, for whatever reason, then you may qualify to continue the coverage from work, at your own expense (which may be several hundred dollars a month) for 18 months (somewhat longer if you are disabled). Once that time period expires, you will need to obtain our own health insurance policy. Because you are not likely to qualify for a plan that companies sell voluntarily, you will probably need to get insurance through either a guaranteed issue HIPAA policy or a government program.
You can purchase a private disability plan if your job has not paid into State disability or if your state does not offer Disability. Ask your doctor to sign for you. If you go on Disability for the state it is for one year and during that time you can apply for social security disability which is long term.
I would talk with the HR department of your employer, some plans have to let you continue your coverage as long as you keep up with the premiums. If you try to get Long-term disability with a pre-existing condition your going to get hosed!