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Financial / Medical Assistance

Thu, July 17, 2008 12:00 AM

Greetings,
I need to have colorectal surgery for my UC and concerned about taking time off work. My employer can not continue my salary and medical insurance while I'm out. Do you know if there is any government programs that give assistance to someone in my situation or have any other suggestions that could benefit me?
Regards, Aaron Valley

aaron
Joined Jul 17, 2008

Sun, September 21, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for Aaron.

I know it has been a while since you posted Aaron so I hope you get this. You can apply for charity care with the hospital. They analyze your financial situation and then write off your debt or a portion of it. My mother use to work with this at Presbyterian Hospital. And it is nation wide. So you should be able to check into it.

puffnstuff
Joined Sep 15, 2008

Fri, August 29, 2008 10:38 AM

Reply posted for JeffDC.

The company I work for has 15 employees. So they do not fall under FMLA. I looked into this and many other options and came up with no solution.

aaron
Joined Jul 17, 2008

Wed, August 27, 2008 9:47 PM

Reply posted for Aaron.

Aaron, do you work for an employer with over 50 employees within a 75 mile radius? Worked over 1250 hours in the last year? Been employed with your employer for over a year?

If so, you would qualify for FMLA, which is unpaid. As far as insurance under FMLA, your benefits should continue with your company being able to make you pay what you would normally pay for the insurance at the time that deduction is made (each payday). Other companies will recoup the payments when the employee returns while not collecting them during the leave.

That said, your company should offer you COBRA continuation, which is usually more trouble than it is worth for the company.

All that said, I do not know of any benefits programs like the ones you mentioned.

jeffdc
Joined Aug 25, 2008

Thu, August 14, 2008 12:28 AM

Reply posted for Aaron.

Hey Aaron,

You may want to investigate whether your current prescription coverage has an option for COBRA...this means that you (not your employer) pay a monthly fee but you maintain your current level of benefits. Generally, if you are out of a job, you may be eligible to participate with COBRA for 18, 24, or 36 months, depending on your plan and the set up. You should be able to get info about this from HR or your boss, or if you go online to http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.HTMl you can learn more.

I had to quit my job a month ago so I could recieve treatment (aka, had surgery 3 weeks ago) for my Crohns and COBRA through my previous employers insurance was my lifesaver. I hope this helps you out...I know how stressful it is to be worried about how to afford to get healthy.

Best wishes,

Caitlin

seastar
Joined Aug 14, 2008

Wed, August 06, 2008 1:39 PM

Reply posted for Aaron.

Aaron,

I wish I had help but all I can do is say I feel your pain. I just went through the surgery myself, minus health insurance. I've tried and tried to get assistance but without luck so far. People keep saying there is help out there, but i'd like to know where.

Good luck!

sara0226
Joined Aug 6, 2008

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