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August 2011 Moms
MrsCase1
member
The Drama Llama Has Left the Barn (Forewarning: LONGGG)
MrsCase1
member
I've avoided the boards for the better part of two weeks because I've had spotting on and off since Christmas. I come back today and so many of you precious people have had losses. My spotting seems worse today, though still not red.
My paranoia is on overdrive so I can't answer honestly when people ask how I'm feeling. Every quick pain sends my mind reeling to the worst place. It wasn't easy for us to get pregnant and I have had a hard time accepting I am pregnant and getting excited because it seems too good to be true. Maybe I am protecting myself (ineffectively, I might add) in case something does go wrong?
I haven't even gotten to go to my first appointment yet. Due to massive problems with moving out-of-state and getting jerked around with insurance, I'm not even able to see someone till likely my 2nd tri!!! Please don't flame me for being not being responsible-I've always paid for and carried insurance, I've simply been met with a lot of obstacles since moving last month. I literally moved half way across the country and THEN found out I was pregnant 2.5 weeks later and given how long it took us to get pregnant, we were genuinely surprised.) My husband is gainfully employed with a new job but it takes a few months for insurance to kick in. Before anyone lambasts me, I have money for COBRA but I can't see someone in my new state. I might have to go on Medicaid for 2-3 months (till new insurance starts) and I feel so much shame and fear. Everyone is telling me if I have to go on it that I will receive sub-standard care, etc. Horror stories abound! I tried buying a private policy and was told my state doesn't offer maternity care because it isn't a pre-existing condition but rather a "serious, short-term illness." My anxiety was raging so badly I called a Planned Parenthood out of desperation to see if they'd give me a blood test and they said they don't offer prenatal care.
I just needed to write this all out because my superstition has prevented me from telling most of my friends and family that I'm even pregnant. Plus I didn't want to have to explain or answer to anyone if it didn't work out. I'm so thankful to have a place where people can relate. I am continuing to pray for everyone who has lost their sweet bebes, and for everyone else to carry to term. Instead of moping or marinating in fear I'm going to spend some time in prayer for all you guys. Thank you for your compassion!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: The Drama Llama Has Left the Barn (Forewarning: LONGGG)
First of all, you should never feel shame about using public services. I didn't lose a minute of sleep for calling the fire department when someone tried to torch my garage. Using medical services that are reimbursed by the government is no different. Yours is a situation that more than requires all the help you can get- guilt free. I have worked in social services for many years, and have never seen sub-standard care for anyone on Medicaid. I have, however seen many people struggle with providers and insurance companies with complicated and incomplete private coverage. There's program for people who are without insurance called the State Child Health Insurance Program. Each state's program has a different name, e.g MinnesotaCare. This is specifically for uninsured children and pregnant women. If your household income is too high for Medicaid, this ought to be available to you for a modest monthly premium and should cover all services.
I hope you are able to find some help soon so that you can start enjoying your pregnancy!
Sorry to hear that you are having all these issues hun. Insurance and moving issues are never fun. : (
The best advise I can give you right now is to go to ER if you feel the need. It maybe expensive but at least you will know whats going on in there.
For now you are pregnant, and it maybe hard to do but do try and enjoy it a little bit. CONGRATS and good luck hun.
Do not feel guilty about your insurance situation - unfortunately it is reality for so many people b/c health care is so tied into who you are employed with and it's impossible for most to pay for a plan by themselves.
And about the spotting and superstitions - I understand 100%. I think we've told a total of about a dozen people so far - I'm leaning towards waiting to tell anyone else until after the first tri b/c of all of my spotting. I hate it so much. I thought once I would get pregnant it would be such a happy time - but I just cannot get excited yet. I haven't bought a single piece of maternity clothing or any baby items.
Good luck to you - and remember that there are options out there for people without insurance. There is planned parenthood or other organizations if you're opposed to that one (my mom went to a pro-life place when she was pregnant with me b/c she didn't have money, I forgot the name).
I am so sorry that you have been going through this. I can't imagine what it feels like to be in your life right now.
DO NOT feel ashamed to use the government assistance for what it is intended for! If you've been on Medicaid for 3 years and never attempted to get a job it would be a completely different story, but situations like this are precisely what these programs were made for, to get help to someone who needs it, short term. Too many people abuse the system and over time we have gotten the stigma that if you use the assistance then you are automatically abusing the system and in your case, this is NOT TRUE!!
I live in Kentucky and they have some free clinics (i.e. Necole's Place is one of them) where women can go to get a confirmation of pregnancy and get an ultrasound to date and make sure everything is ok. Ask around, maybe someone in your new state knows about a program like that. Otherwise, like the other pp's have said, while it may be expensive you can always go to the ER (they should be able to write off a lot of your bill since you don't have insurance) if you really need the confirmation and can't find the other help.
I hope the situation gets better for you soon. And I'm glad that you posted on here. You shouldn't have to go through this alone. T&P to you and your family.
And Congrats on being pg!
Sounds like you've really been trying to find a solution, but just a few more suggestions to consider:
1) have you tried calling an OB and finding out what the cost would be for one out-of-pocket appointment? If you just do a basic prenatal visit and labwork (no ultrasound) I would think the price won't be more than a few hundred dollars.
2) If you just want to confirm your beta levels, my understanding was that you could get blood tests done at places like the target/walmart medical clinic. Have you tried one of those?
3) Why not call a crisis pregnancy center (ie, one of the pro-life pregnancy centers) in your area, explain your situation, and ask if they'd be willing to give you a blood test and an ultrasound, along with some basic prenatal advice? I think giving ultrasounds is their big thing.
Please, please do not refuse medical treatment because you don't have insurance. Pregnant women are one of those categories where it is relatively easy to get insurance from state programs. Prenatal care is very important, and so most states have programs so that women can go through pregnancy under a doctor's care. You probably have 2-1-1 in your area, you can call and they will refer you to health and human services providers near you.
Or if your insurance will kick in very soon, I would see if you could find an OB who would accept you and you would only have to pay out of pocket for one or two visits (you only go once every 4 weeks in the beginning). It would certainly be way cheaper than visiting the ER if you're concerned.
First of all, I'm sending you lots of positive thoughts!
I'm dealing with an insurance issue right now myself. It's beyond frustrating how these companies can leave you out in the cold. I was trying to switch onto my companies policy (small family business that doesn't really want to provide health insurance) since before we got our BFP, it was supposed to go into effect January 1st, so I thought no big deal. I currently have a private plan that really blows, and it doesn't have any maternity coverage. I found out this past Wednesday that because I currently have insurance, I'm not eligible to join their group plan that covers maternity until they renew their policy in September. If I wasn't currently insured, or lost my coverage for some reason or another I would be picked up asap. It just sucks, I don't want to drop my current insurance just to find out that I can't get on theirs...
I applied for my state aid program called BadgerCare Plus, my DH and I make too much for the program, but I should be able to pay a deductible and get the coverage, as long as I'm approved. Fingers crossed that you can find coverage too!!
Have your husband tried talking to his employer about the situation? I had to go without insurance for a while since my employer had the same policy and when I told them I didn't have any health insurance they were surprised (they thought I might still be covered under my parents since I was a recent college grad) and bumped up my eligibility.
A lot of companies will make an exception when it's needed. Many people even negotiate it when they accept a job offer, so it's not set in stone.
Whatever you end up doing, don't feel bad about it. That is exactly what those programs are for. Good luck!
My husband did in fact speak with his employer. He explained our situation and offered to pay our premium in full until which time he was eligible for their contribution (approximately 90 days.) They had no problem with it however the insurance company vetoed (as far as I know.)