Here's the situation: I changed health insurance plans about two years ago ago. I have a good plan, based in Californa, that costs me about $250 a month. Since starting the coverage, my major medical expense - for about a year - have three monthly medications which I take for recently-diagnosed bipolar disorder. I have never claimed these expenses on my insurance, nor have I ever put any of my psychiatric costs on a claim. The reason is that I've been advised not to do this, especially with a bipolar diagnosis, since, in the words of my psychiatrist, "once that's on your record, you'll have a very hard time if you need to change insurance plans." (I should add that the diagnosis, while scary, and the resulting treatment, has changed my life so much for the better that I'd sell pretty much sell a kidney to keep paying for the meds, if I had to.)
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posted by soulbarn
on Oct 16, 2006 -
6 answers
WhineFilter: I'm bipolar and I am having a very hard time quitting smoking. Does anyone have any ideas that I haven't tried yet?
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posted by SteveTheRed
on Sep 16, 2006 -
14 answers
Friend in trouble: bipolar, taking Zoloft, smoking huge amount of marijuana which exacerbates his mania. He's acting crazy. I'm far away -- how can I help? Especially, how can I support his girlfriend, and convince him to accept treatment and quit the pot? Other advice about treatment for bipolar disorder?
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 28, 2006 -
12 answers
What are the laws surrounding involuntary commitment for psychiatric treatment in California?
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 12, 2006 -
6 answers
MentalHealthFilter: To try and sum up a fairly long and complicated issue: My brother, 23, is diagnosed as bipolar. It's been an uphill battle ever since he was admitted to the psych hospital at 11/12 years old. Although his diagnosis and medications have switched many times, nothing seems to work.
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posted by unsigned
on Jul 10, 2006 -
5 answers
well my ex bipolar gf has still yet to call me after 1 month..i know she loved me but basically split and left town w/o telling me. Even after death of my family member. Anything i should do? Her mom even stopped calling me maybe to let me grieve. I thought i loved her. Advice? if she calls(doubtful) what should i do?
posted by magic74
on Jun 3, 2006 -
15 answers
Bipolarfilter: I'm in a weird situation - I lost my health insurance, ran out of two of my meds, and now it's a month til my appointment with a good practitioner. There's more to it, but I just generally wanted some help with coping strategies to help me get through this next month. Some of the time I feel ok, but other times nothing feels good and I burst into tears at the drop of a hat.
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posted by beth
on Mar 3, 2006 -
22 answers
I'm having serious doubts about my 8-year relationship, but my SO is going through a really rough time right now--& may even be suicidal. I think I want out, but I'm afraid it could drive him over the edge.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 26, 2006 -
32 answers
Can anyone here recommend a good on-line support community for a friend whose s/o is undergoing treatment for an undiagnosed mental illness?
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posted by anastasiav
on May 26, 2005 -
3 answers
In your personal experience, do you think it's possible (or even common) to be mistakenly diagnosed as bipolar?
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posted by anonymous
on May 20, 2005 -
29 answers
Managers, employers, and workers with this experience: should I tell my boss about my bipolar disorder? I'm about to enter a situation where it might disrupt my work...
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posted by veronitron
on Apr 26, 2005 -
18 answers
I think my ex-boyfriend may be bipolar. He refuses to admit that, or seek help. His mother and I are both worried, and both want to help, but we don't know what to do. Does anyone have any experience convincing someone to seek help?
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posted by occhiblu
on Mar 30, 2005 -
29 answers
