November 2013 Moms
GopherBaby13
member
I am seriously freaking out! NBR really
GopherBaby13
member
I got a letter in the mail today from my insurance company, informing me that as of Nov. 1st, I will no longer be covered. I did not have insurance through my former employer as they did not offer insurance to their nonsalaried employees. I'm actually pretty embarrassed to admit this, I was on my moms insurance, but I did pay for every cent of my deductible from the time I turned 18.
After I got the letter, I did some research online and the state of MN offers two programs; MN Care (you make low monthly payments if you are employed. If you are not employed, you are not eligible for this program) and Medical Assistance (Medicaid). So, since I am not employed, I am only eligible for Medicaid. I called my mom to tell her and she immediately lit into me about how irresponsible I am (as I have mentioned before, this baby was a complete surprise) and she can't believe that her only child has to go on Medicaid. As if I wasn't down enough already.
I don't know why I am posting this. I guess Im just wondering if any of you have gone through something similar.
After I got the letter, I did some research online and the state of MN offers two programs; MN Care (you make low monthly payments if you are employed. If you are not employed, you are not eligible for this program) and Medical Assistance (Medicaid). So, since I am not employed, I am only eligible for Medicaid. I called my mom to tell her and she immediately lit into me about how irresponsible I am (as I have mentioned before, this baby was a complete surprise) and she can't believe that her only child has to go on Medicaid. As if I wasn't down enough already.
I don't know why I am posting this. I guess Im just wondering if any of you have gone through something similar.
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Re: I am seriously freaking out! NBR really
Here's a creepy internet stranger hug for you >:D<
I don't have any good advice to give. You could look into private insurance, but if you're not employed - that's not really an option since it's so dang expensive.
Why are you getting kicked off your previous insurance? Max out the age requirement?
Married 2012
DD: 3 yo
TTC #2 August 2017
I just wanted to reach out and say that there's no shame in applying for medicaid. There is a reason that programs like that are in place, and that I would certainly rather ask for assistance if needed then go without any coverage for the remainder of the pregnancy and post-partum.
My husband never had insurance growing up and once we started dating, I looked into things that were available to get him any kind of coverage as he had been forgoing any medical care for years.
Please don't let it get you down.
Boo. I remember reading that on my husband's policy when I switched over to his when we got married. A lot of them require you to be covered for so long before they will cover maternity expenses as well.
Look into a policy after the baby is born. At least for now you have Medicaid. Not sure why your Mom is up in arms over it, could be worse.
#LOLFITMAMA
Googled it and apparently there could be if previously on private individual insurance and not group and going to individual but talk to the companies because you may qualify.
Also, with the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid is going to be making some changes for pregnant women (takes affect at different times in different states) so that may help with how fast/easy it is to get approved. Just a thought to keep in mind.
Again, so sorry you have to deal with this right now!
My pregnancy was also unplanned and I'm on Medicaid. Totally did not expect to be having a public aid baby at 33! However let me tell you 1. I'm incredibly appreciative and 2. It's sort of awesome. My out of pocket cost has been about $12 and my OB practice us great and my hospital is wonderful. My birth class was also free b/c I'm on public aid.
I say figure out how to sign up and figure out which OB you'll have to see if your current one doesn't take public aid.
Also, it seems like you would have had to do this anyway b/c you mom insurance wouldn't have covered you LO. So what was you plan for LOs insurance? For me LO is covered under mine for 90 days until she gets her own number from the state.
In il pregnant women are also automatically covered. Here the coverage goes back three month previous to your sign up date. So if your place is the same way as mine you shouldn't have any days without coverage.
Moral of the story, sucks to have to ask for help, but it's awesome when the help is there, use it and be thankful and not shamed.
I'd get on the Medicaid if you can; it's less likely to have restrictions in terms of what they'll cover. A private plan (we have Blue Cross Blue Shield) will not cover many prenatal things without a "maternity rider" (and coverage for that will not kick in until you've paid a year's worth of premiums, so that's useless - this was our situation, so we didn't get it).
However! Because of ACA, they can't refuse you insurance outright, so you'd still be covered for non-pregnancy things (like flu shots or if you injure yourself), and ACA forces them to cover some very, very basic prenatal things (so a handful of my blood tests have been covered, and all of my OB/midwife visits). It won't cover things like ultrasounds or the labor and delivery, but you can at least add your baby to the plan after they've been born (usually you have a set period in which to enroll the baby - like 30 days - and it applies retroactively). But a decent plan isn't cheap, either, and that's a lot of out-of-pocket for the most expensive things, so if you can get better coverage through Medicaid, I'd do it. (We make just enough we don't qualify, sigh.)
Iris born Halloween 2013! 6 lbs, 1 oz, 18 inches long
Edit: iPhone trying to make me look dumb.
It's intended for children but may apply to you while pregnant. If not, at least lo will have coverage.
January siggy challenge
If I can get Medicaid, I'm going to see how long LO will be covered. My SO and I are going to look into getting our own plans ASAP so when I'm no longer pregnant, she can go on either one of ours.
Thank you all for your advice and support. This board is seriously awesome!
I'm not sure how MN medicare may differ but I am covered up until 1 month after birth and baby girl will be covered for a full year. If you have someone in your county office that can help you with enrollment, they would be a great resource. They will help you get all your ducks in a row as far as paperwork and they can express enroll you which means your coverage starts immediately.
Good luck, hope everything works out for the best.
Also, it took VERY little time to process my application. A week at the most. I'm sure it's different depending on the state, since the funds are state controlled. Not only did it process quickly, they paid for the visit and labwork that was done on the day I applied. Once I was approved, I was considered a member from the day I applied, so there was no interim period.
N '13 November Siggy Challenge- Baby Pictures
Also- pre-ex will not apply for a new plan unless your coverage lapses for more than 60 days. You just need to provide your certificate of creditable coverage from your current plan which is available upon request and often mailed to you at termination with your cobra notice.
Good luck!