Since being fired last month, I'm in the process of getting health insurance for my family. But, I'm kind of confused with this COBRA '65/35 for nine months' deal with the government. I'm awaiting to hear from our local Blue Cross provider for a 9/15 effective date, but, our calculations show that the COBRA discounted price for nine months would be roughly $150 less than the Blue Cross premium. Now, it is my understanding that you have to elect COBRA AND send in your request for the 65/35 subsidy at the same time. If I don't get the subsidy, I want to go with Blue Cross. How do I do this properly? Is there any way I can apply for the subsidy without requesting COBRA at the same time?
posted by littleredwagon on Sep 11, 2009 - 12 answers

There is much talk about health care rationing in Britain, for example. How do I find out more about the status of rationing in the United States, my health care (nice employer based) and Medicare in particular. Is it the case that with health care in the US, private or Medicare, cost is never a reason to deny a procedure? That people under Medicare, for example, get all of those 50,000$ drugs that give you 6 months of life? How can I find out if my plan covers every possible procedure or not? I'm less concerned with the issue of rescision as a roundabout way of denying care versus explicit denial of care based on cost.
posted by Wood on Aug 7, 2009 - 16 answers

How can I show support for the new health care reform bill? [more inside]
posted by odayoday on Jul 15, 2009 - 9 answers

What should a recent (unemployed) college graduate do to get health insurance in Indiana? ` [more inside]
posted by leybman on Jul 1, 2009 - 17 answers

Please help me find medical coverage/insurance for a five year old. [more inside]
posted by snsranch on Jun 6, 2009 - 7 answers

Health insurance question: my insurance benefit ran out for a recurring doctor's visit. The doctor knew this - I didn't - and they kept accepting my copay as if nothing had changed. How do I proceed? [more inside]
posted by JamesWilson123 on May 21, 2009 - 10 answers

Is my company's new, highly Orwellian, wellness program legal? How can I get them to stop? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 25, 2009 - 16 answers

Individual health insurance and sti. What to do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 22, 2009 - 5 answers

I may have breast cancer. I do not have health insurance. What now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 16, 2009 - 13 answers

Please help me filter out the good from my list of NYC doctors covered by my insurance. [more inside]
posted by scazza on Mar 9, 2009 - 3 answers

What types of questions would you like to see answered about healthcare / health insurance? [more inside]
posted by jeff1010 on Mar 1, 2009 - 12 answers

How do I fill out an application for short-term health care if I barely even remember which doctors/clinics I've been seen at, let alone why? [more inside]
posted by Skwirl on Aug 29, 2008 - 4 answers

I'm a typical ADD adult, and I don't have health insurance until at least September. I'm down to my last few Ritalin tablets, and I need a new Rx. How much does Ritalin (or Concerta, Adderall, etc) typically cost without insurance, and can I minimize these costs without having to sign up for an interim insurance plan? What are the best generic varieties of the big name psychostimulants? Will getting an Rx while uninsured just kick up my fees when I am finally covered by a health plan because my condition is pre-existing? [more inside]
posted by zoomorphic on Jul 3, 2008 - 13 answers

I missed a Cobra Payment and they terminated me. How can I appeal their decision? [more inside]
posted by TigerCrane on Apr 18, 2008 - 4 answers

What is a good way to manage numerous medical bills and insurance EOBs? [more inside]
posted by daniboi1977 on Feb 12, 2008 - 5 answers

I am in the process of switching jobs. I need health insurance (likely individual health insurance) but I am Bipolar... help [more inside]
posted by DetonatedManiac on Feb 6, 2008 - 12 answers

I'm a mid-20s male in the East Bay. I don't have health insurance, but am thinking about getting some. None is available through work. What are my best options? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 23, 2008 - 9 answers

YANMLFilter: You're not my lawyer, but I'm going to ask you for help deciphering part of the HIPAA anyway. Specifically, the bits regarding pre-existing conditions. [more inside]
posted by CrayDrygu on Jan 22, 2008 - 18 answers

Health insurance for someone taking a break from college? My girlfriend is taking a few months off from college and so won't be eligible for her parents' health insurance. She doesn't have a job that provides benefits, either. She's in her early 20s and is pretty healthy, but has really awful luck when it comes to random health issues popping up and so it would be a good idea for her to have insurance in the next few months. She's off her parents' policy in the next week or two. What can she do? Would COBRA apply in this case? What other temporary insurance providers are there?
posted by Braeog on Jan 19, 2008 - 10 answers

I am insured through a PPO. I was taken to an out-of-network hospital following an accident with major trauma. Am I out of luck for the charges above and beyond the dreaded "usual, customary, and reasonable" charges? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 8, 2007 - 4 answers

How do I choose a primary care physician? [more inside]
posted by BitterOldPunk on Jul 27, 2007 - 12 answers

How can I help my fellow employees get the most out of their benefits program via efficient, lively, multi-platform communications? [more inside]
posted by thinkpiece on Jun 3, 2007 - 7 answers

Have any tips for living (in the US) without health insurance? [more inside]
posted by YoungAmerican on Jan 7, 2007 - 25 answers

How do I get affordable personal health insurance? [more inside]
posted by blueplasticfish on Nov 21, 2006 - 7 answers

How can I make sure I'm not being overcharged for surgery and/or ripped off by my health insurance company? [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky on Oct 27, 2006 - 6 answers

I was attending an off-site, work-related meeting when I felt faint and passed out. An ambulance was called and yada, yada- I'm fine. Since this is work related, who foots the bill? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 13, 2006 - 10 answers

I currently work full time for a company in southern Tennessee that does not offer health insurance, and probably won't in the near term future... [more inside]
posted by finitejest on Jul 25, 2006 - 8 answers

Has anyone applied for and used Tonik Insurance? [more inside]
posted by hamster on May 20, 2005 - 2 answers

Dangerous lack of health care! I've been taking Trileptal for the past 2-3 years. I recently stopped taking it (about a week and a half ago) because no insurance + no job = no pills. Obviously, I'll talk with my doctor, but I don't think I want to go back on. (More inside.) [more inside]
posted by billybunny on Feb 3, 2005 - 17 answers