March 2014 Moms

insurance, WWYD

I've been back to work for a few weeks now, and I don't hate my job by any means, but I don't love it.  I do hate being away from LO and I hate how I have no time or energy to cook dinner, clean house, etc.  A job that I do think I would really enjoy is online teaching.  However I cannot really pursue that while working at my current job because it may require working for several schools to make enough money/have enough classes to teach, and that could take a while.  I have no time as it is, so I can't really add more to my plate of working 40 hrs outside the home, plus any online teaching until I am making enough to quit my other job.

So my plan was to quit my job, stay home with LO for at least a year and try to make the online teaching thing work, so then I'd essentially be working from home and could be home with LO.  The big problem is insurance....I carry the insurance through my job and MH cannot get it through his.  We've been trying to find him a new job anyway, but now the pressure is on to find him something soon, and with insurance so I can quit.  But I'm getting impatient.  He's been searching on and off for a long time now with not even so much as an interview.  Granted we have stepped up the frequency of applying for jobs, but he still hasn't had any luck, so I am worried about how long this could take.  Then there would also likely be a 90 day waiting period before he would get insurance, and I would like to quit and get on with my plan like yesterday.

So I'm trying to think of my options for insurance.....I know there is COBRA, but I really have no idea how it works.  Would I be eligible if I were to voluntarily quit?  I keep reading about eligibility for retiring and termination.  Second, is there any way to know before hand how much this would cost?  We plan to replace my salary for the year with savings, so we could pay whatever it costs for COBRA, but I would like to know what we would be getting into first, how much it would be and if I am indeed eligible for it.  I do have an email sent to our insurance people here at work, but while I'm waiting I thought I would see if anyone here knows.

There is a plan called healthy Michigan or something like that, but it seems to be for low-income families.  Now granted, if I quit my job, MH's salary for the three of us would qualify for the plan, but since we would be ok from our savings I don't feel right about going on that plan.

Finally there is Obamacare, but I don't think we qualify for that since we're past open enrollment and more than 30 days since LOs birth.  Are there any options (besides staying at my job until MH finds something) that I am not thinking of?  Would you or have you used Cobra?  I'm open to any advice!

Lilypie - (fm2j)

Lilypie - (YesX)

 My Pregnancy/Parenting BLOG TTC since 5/2011, BFP #1 12/3/11, M/C 12/7/11 @ 4wks 2d. Began seeing RE Sep 2012. October 2012 Metformin 1500 mg= ovulation on CD34 BFP#2 11/14/12 9DPO, EDD 7/26/13, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks, our angel born sleeping 3/24/13 @ 22wks 2d. BFP #3 7/4/13 8DPO EDD 3/22/14, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks. started insulin @16 wks.  Our rainbow, born 3/19/14 @ 39wks 6d., we're so in love!

image

Re: insurance, WWYD

  • What about medicaid?
    1st FET 2/14/2013 Happy Valentines Day! - BFN
    2nd FET 6/14/2013
    - BPF!!! -
    1st Beta:
    1046!!!!! - 2nd Beta: 2754!!!!!
    First u/s 7/11/2013 - TWINS!!! 120 and 124 heartbeats <3
    Second u/s
    7/29/2013 - wiggley babies! 178 and 184 heartbeats!
    Third u/s
    9/9/2013 - 157 and 161 heartbeats ... a BOY and a GIRL!!!! Cervix on the "shorter side" (3-3.3) - going to check again in 2 weeks.
    Fourth u/s 9/23/2013 - Baby A = 157 Baby B = 150 heartbeat. Cervix now 2.3-2.6 ... being referred to a MFM
    MFM Appointment 9/26/2013 = Both babies healthy, cervix now measuring at 4 - Playing tricks on me ... will follow up in 2 weeks.
    Cervical check 10/7 with regular OB - 2.1cm  --- going BACK to the MFM armed with ultrasound pictures from my OB of my cervix. *sigh*
    MFM Appointment 10/8 - confirmed my cervix at 2.1cm - putting me on Progesterone for a week.
    MFM Appointment 10/17 - Cervix unchanged! Keeping me on Progesterone - followup 10/29


      photo e8294769.jpgphoto 3a44b450.jpg
    imageimageimageimage"">image

    Everett Alan James (3lbs8oz) and Eliana Lee (3lbs7oz) born 12/28/13 at 30w6d!
  • Mcsweets said:
    What about medicaid?

    For me personally, I don't feel right about accepting medicaid when we can afford insurance, and since I do currently have a job that provides insurance, I just don't want to do it anymore. 
    Lilypie - (fm2j)

    Lilypie - (YesX)

     My Pregnancy/Parenting BLOG TTC since 5/2011, BFP #1 12/3/11, M/C 12/7/11 @ 4wks 2d. Began seeing RE Sep 2012. October 2012 Metformin 1500 mg= ovulation on CD34 BFP#2 11/14/12 9DPO, EDD 7/26/13, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks, our angel born sleeping 3/24/13 @ 22wks 2d. BFP #3 7/4/13 8DPO EDD 3/22/14, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks. started insulin @16 wks.  Our rainbow, born 3/19/14 @ 39wks 6d., we're so in love!

    image

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  • mssm2012 said:
    You can get on cobra, even if you quit. It's normally 1000-1500/month. If you no longer have healthcare through your work, that is likely a qualifying change that would allow you to apply for new coverage under the ACA. No need to wait until the next enrollment period.
    Ah, for some reason I was thinking I wouldn't qualify since I would be voluntarily leaving.  Thanks, I'll look into it.
    Lilypie - (fm2j)

    Lilypie - (YesX)

     My Pregnancy/Parenting BLOG TTC since 5/2011, BFP #1 12/3/11, M/C 12/7/11 @ 4wks 2d. Began seeing RE Sep 2012. October 2012 Metformin 1500 mg= ovulation on CD34 BFP#2 11/14/12 9DPO, EDD 7/26/13, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks, our angel born sleeping 3/24/13 @ 22wks 2d. BFP #3 7/4/13 8DPO EDD 3/22/14, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks. started insulin @16 wks.  Our rainbow, born 3/19/14 @ 39wks 6d., we're so in love!

    image

  • You can also shop around for plans through insurance companies on your own - for instance I have BCBS not through my company, just on my own & have for years. 

    Do you have a huge deductible? 
    Lilypie - (fm2j)

    Lilypie - (YesX)

     My Pregnancy/Parenting BLOG TTC since 5/2011, BFP #1 12/3/11, M/C 12/7/11 @ 4wks 2d. Began seeing RE Sep 2012. October 2012 Metformin 1500 mg= ovulation on CD34 BFP#2 11/14/12 9DPO, EDD 7/26/13, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks, our angel born sleeping 3/24/13 @ 22wks 2d. BFP #3 7/4/13 8DPO EDD 3/22/14, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks. started insulin @16 wks.  Our rainbow, born 3/19/14 @ 39wks 6d., we're so in love!

    image

  • Could you focus on your online teaching while taking care of a toddler? You probably should factor the cost of a nanny into your budget.
  • Could you focus on your online teaching while taking care of a toddler? You probably should factor the cost of a nanny into your budget.

    Online teaching does not have time restrictions that some work-from-home jobs have.  I could grade assignments when LO is napping or entertaining herself, when MH gets home from work, after she goes to bed and on weekends.  I wouldn't have to do any talking on the phone if I chose not to, and since my dad currently watches LO 10 hours a day 5 days a week, I am sure he would be fine with watching her for a day or two a week so I could get a good amount of work done.

    I am basing this on my experience as an online student, and my cousin who taught online for many years while her children were small.

    Lilypie - (fm2j)

    Lilypie - (YesX)

     My Pregnancy/Parenting BLOG TTC since 5/2011, BFP #1 12/3/11, M/C 12/7/11 @ 4wks 2d. Began seeing RE Sep 2012. October 2012 Metformin 1500 mg= ovulation on CD34 BFP#2 11/14/12 9DPO, EDD 7/26/13, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks, our angel born sleeping 3/24/13 @ 22wks 2d. BFP #3 7/4/13 8DPO EDD 3/22/14, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks. started insulin @16 wks.  Our rainbow, born 3/19/14 @ 39wks 6d., we're so in love!

    image

  • Are there online teaching companies you could work for that would offer benefits?

    1st FET 2/14/2013 Happy Valentines Day! - BFN
    2nd FET 6/14/2013
    - BPF!!! -
    1st Beta:
    1046!!!!! - 2nd Beta: 2754!!!!!
    First u/s 7/11/2013 - TWINS!!! 120 and 124 heartbeats <3
    Second u/s
    7/29/2013 - wiggley babies! 178 and 184 heartbeats!
    Third u/s
    9/9/2013 - 157 and 161 heartbeats ... a BOY and a GIRL!!!! Cervix on the "shorter side" (3-3.3) - going to check again in 2 weeks.
    Fourth u/s 9/23/2013 - Baby A = 157 Baby B = 150 heartbeat. Cervix now 2.3-2.6 ... being referred to a MFM
    MFM Appointment 9/26/2013 = Both babies healthy, cervix now measuring at 4 - Playing tricks on me ... will follow up in 2 weeks.
    Cervical check 10/7 with regular OB - 2.1cm  --- going BACK to the MFM armed with ultrasound pictures from my OB of my cervix. *sigh*
    MFM Appointment 10/8 - confirmed my cervix at 2.1cm - putting me on Progesterone for a week.
    MFM Appointment 10/17 - Cervix unchanged! Keeping me on Progesterone - followup 10/29


      photo e8294769.jpgphoto 3a44b450.jpg
    imageimageimageimage"">image

    Everett Alan James (3lbs8oz) and Eliana Lee (3lbs7oz) born 12/28/13 at 30w6d!
  • bsouls said:
    If you meet the income and resource qualifications for Medicaid then there is no reason to not go that route, if you can't get insurance through your husband. I was always under the impression that Cobra cost a ridiculous amount. My boyfriend was offered it when he left his job to work part-time nights, so he can watch baby. We were like, "yeah, just go without insurance for now." I wouldn't waste my savings on insurance, if I qualified for Medicaid. If you report your resources and aren't hiding them, then you're getting it because you're entitled to.
    100% agree with this. 
    1st FET 2/14/2013 Happy Valentines Day! - BFN
    2nd FET 6/14/2013
    - BPF!!! -
    1st Beta:
    1046!!!!! - 2nd Beta: 2754!!!!!
    First u/s 7/11/2013 - TWINS!!! 120 and 124 heartbeats <3
    Second u/s
    7/29/2013 - wiggley babies! 178 and 184 heartbeats!
    Third u/s
    9/9/2013 - 157 and 161 heartbeats ... a BOY and a GIRL!!!! Cervix on the "shorter side" (3-3.3) - going to check again in 2 weeks.
    Fourth u/s 9/23/2013 - Baby A = 157 Baby B = 150 heartbeat. Cervix now 2.3-2.6 ... being referred to a MFM
    MFM Appointment 9/26/2013 = Both babies healthy, cervix now measuring at 4 - Playing tricks on me ... will follow up in 2 weeks.
    Cervical check 10/7 with regular OB - 2.1cm  --- going BACK to the MFM armed with ultrasound pictures from my OB of my cervix. *sigh*
    MFM Appointment 10/8 - confirmed my cervix at 2.1cm - putting me on Progesterone for a week.
    MFM Appointment 10/17 - Cervix unchanged! Keeping me on Progesterone - followup 10/29


      photo e8294769.jpgphoto 3a44b450.jpg
    imageimageimageimage"">image

    Everett Alan James (3lbs8oz) and Eliana Lee (3lbs7oz) born 12/28/13 at 30w6d!
  • Pinecone21Pinecone21 member
    edited June 2014



    Could you focus on your online teaching while taking care of a toddler? You probably should factor the cost of a nanny into your budget.



    Online teaching does not have time restrictions that some work-from-home jobs have.  I could grade assignments when LO is napping or entertaining herself, when MH gets home from work, after she goes to bed and on weekends.  I wouldn't have to do any talking on the phone if I chose not to, and since my dad currently watches LO 10 hours a day 5 days a week, I am sure he would be fine with watching her for a day or two a week so I could get a good amount of work done.

    I am basing this on my experience as an online student, and my cousin who taught online for many years while her children were small.

    ***************
    Oh, ok. I had looked at online teaching high school, but it required a lot of face-to-face time on a webcam an other times I would have to be available to the students. If the program you're looking at gives you complete flexibility, then go for it!
  • @angelsnight‌ Are you talking about online teaching at the college level? I've done a little bit. If you have questions feel free to pm me.
    image
  • Mcsweets said:
    Are there online teaching companies you could work for that would offer benefits?

     I don't know for certain but according to my cousin and the schools she worked for, she did not have insurance because she was considered a sub-contractor. 


    Lilypie - (fm2j)

    Lilypie - (YesX)

     My Pregnancy/Parenting BLOG TTC since 5/2011, BFP #1 12/3/11, M/C 12/7/11 @ 4wks 2d. Began seeing RE Sep 2012. October 2012 Metformin 1500 mg= ovulation on CD34 BFP#2 11/14/12 9DPO, EDD 7/26/13, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks, our angel born sleeping 3/24/13 @ 22wks 2d. BFP #3 7/4/13 8DPO EDD 3/22/14, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks. started insulin @16 wks.  Our rainbow, born 3/19/14 @ 39wks 6d., we're so in love!

    image

  • I was in a very similar situation when I quit my teaching job. Health insurance can be a headache. Hoping you find a solution that works for you! You actually DO qualify for ObamaCare if you quit your current job. It counts as a circumstance that can get late coverage outside that original timeline. The other great part is you don't have to wait for 90 days or whatever. I just had to drop off documents to my local human services office and was ready to go once they processed that. I'm in CA, but if you call their hotline they can tell you what you need. So right now I have an individual plan and LO is covered under Medicaid. I didn't qualify because our income is too high but I guess kids can qualify under a higher bracket? Good luck with your decisions. I know it can be really overwhelming
    Thanks, for whatever reason I was thinking you had to be let go from your job to be eligible outside of open enrollment.

    I see everyone's point on the Medicaid, and maybe I am being completely stupid....but I always kind of thought medicaid was sort of a hand out.  Not judging anyone else, it just seems hard for me to take because we've always supported ourselves and just made do with what we could afford.  But maybe it is a complete off view I have of it???  I guess partly because I feel like the reason we would be eligible for it is because I would be choosing to leave my job and choosing to become a one income family, whereas I know others need the medicaid because they are struggling...I don't know if that makes any sense.
    Lilypie - (fm2j)

    Lilypie - (YesX)

     My Pregnancy/Parenting BLOG TTC since 5/2011, BFP #1 12/3/11, M/C 12/7/11 @ 4wks 2d. Began seeing RE Sep 2012. October 2012 Metformin 1500 mg= ovulation on CD34 BFP#2 11/14/12 9DPO, EDD 7/26/13, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks, our angel born sleeping 3/24/13 @ 22wks 2d. BFP #3 7/4/13 8DPO EDD 3/22/14, DX Gestational Diabetes @14 wks. started insulin @16 wks.  Our rainbow, born 3/19/14 @ 39wks 6d., we're so in love!

    image

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