Cannot Afford COBRA Insurance - Are There Other Alternatives?

Updated on September 09, 2006
K.M. asks from Saint Paul, MN
20 answers

Recently my husband accepted another job but cannot start his medical insurance until after his 3 months probationary period. We were planning on having another child sometime in October 2006, but am afraid that I will not have any medical coverage during that time for my check ups and appointments. Also, my son is to have surgery for his teeth. Has anyone tried other types of medical or dental insurance elsewhere? If so, please let me know. I am in desperate need. Thank you.

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the advice. I have just applied for MNcare, but that has a wait period of a month. I am planning on getting pregnant in October or November so I will see what happens. If I do, I will apply for MA. But, I am very self-conscience about not having any insurance when (at this time of the year) will be the most accident prone season. I hope MNcare goes well. I will update and inform everyone. Thanks much!

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M.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

There really is not a whole lot as most independent coverage will not cover pregnancy for 24 months. Good luck I would see about part time work where you can get benefits.

M.

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L.R.

answers from Duluth on

I am going to be in the same situations, that really bites when you have to waite that grace period. My daughter required meds that are very expensive. What I did is called the social service department. You may be legible for medicare, ssi, or somthing along those lines temporary. Good luck.

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D.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I know you have gotten some great advice, but whatever you do, DO NOT GO EVEN ONE DAY without medical coverage. You will get yourself into trouble with pre-existing coverage.

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K.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

here are a couple of ideas, one of the life care centers may be able to help. One phone is ###-###-#### also you might try the Respect Life Office
Respect Life Office, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
328 West Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
Sharon Soderlund or Sonya Flomo
Tel: ###-###-#### or ###-###-####
Fax: ###-###-####

If you explain your situation tney may be able to help

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S.

answers from Minneapolis on

Your school should have an insurance policy that you can apply for and get, maybe you will need to talk with a financial aid officer at your school about getting additional funds to pay for your insurance. Cobra is super expensive and with school insurance you can do it for one semester. good luck.

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T.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I believe you can go back 3 months if you get MN Care. We had to be on it for a short time and they just took our income and info. from the 3 previous months and went from that, and yes, I was pregnant at the time. With pregnancy hormones going full charge I was going crazy figuring all this insurance stuff out - I'm sure they thought I was just a peach to work with - but oh well, we were able to get approved and the state was able to help for the time that we needed it. Best of Luck and hope you get approved for the MA & MN Care despite the piles of paperwork that goes along with it.

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M.K.

answers from Duluth on

So, you're pregnant right now? When I had my son last October, our bills ran around $4k so I applied for Community Care through the hospital's billing department. It brought my bill down to around $1k I live in Dakota County, I'm not sure if it's available in all counties. I hope you get insurance that won't leave you with such large bills as us! Better to go with a home birth, wish I'd of realized that before! ANd if you're having a boy, read up on if circumsision is covered, mine wasn't under Preferred One. Congrats on the new baby, good luck!
M.

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B.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

MN Care is for working families that cannot afford health insurance there is a copay every month according to your income. You may or may not be income eligible but it's worth a try. You can get a application by calling your local economic office. I'm not sure the number. You could probaly find it online as well. If that doesn't work I would hold off on any medical things and if your child get's sick there is a free clinic in Burnsville for any child in school dist.191 or any hospital has to see your regardless of insurance or money.

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M.

answers from Minneapolis on

Contact MinnesotaCare at ###-###-#### and they should be able to help you. Let them know you're pregnant and they don't turn down pregnant women.

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J.F.

answers from Rochester on

Do you live in the state of Minnesota? If so, by state law, all pregnant women are eligible for Medical Assistance. My husband and I are in the same situation, my coverage through his company won't start till a month before Baby is born. Call your county's government center for info and an application, they won't turn you down. Also, they will go back three months and cover appointments you've already had. You can also apply for the whole family, if you want. MA will also pick up the rest of the expenses with your regular insurance (they'll pay the 20% that you'd normally be responsible for). Hope this helps! :)

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L.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

I work for Blue Cross, maybe check into the Insta Care coverage. It's a short term coverage, you can get for 30, 60 or 90 days and you can get it for a year. The rates are always pretty low for families, just a thought.

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L.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

We are in the same boat! We just bought some cheap insurance that basically means it wouldn't ruin us financially if we were in a car accident, etc. I think it has a $2,000 deductible. That being said, we have no rx coverage, dental, vision, etc. I agree with the pp, hold off on as much as you can until you get full coverage. You can search the net for short-term/temporary insurance. I think we pay about $150/month for temp. insurance. Good luck!

L.

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K.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hi Ko. COBRA can be terribly expensive. I have a new job (I've been here three months), but my employer does not offer health insurance, so I am looking as well. My children are on my ex-husband's health insurance, so I just need single coverage. If you find anything good, please let me know. Good luck! K.

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D.A.

answers from Minneapolis on

Just a note regarding MinnesotaCare- it will not cover someone who has access to other health insurance and there is a 4 month waiting period from when your previous health insurance ends (if a person does qualify). I worked for MnCare for 4 years & it is a wonderful program, but just as all other State-paid for programs, there are many, many rules.

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J.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

Several years ago when I quit working I was told that I didn't have to choose the COBRA right off the bat but that I had like 30-60 days that I could just call and get it in force if I happened to need it. I just waited it out and never did need it. Ask your employer if this is still something you can do because it might save you a month or 2 of the COBRA premium?
Best of luck,
J.

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M.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

Apply for state medicaid or Minnesota Care.

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A.G.

answers from Minneapolis on

My husband and I were in a similar situation, so we went online to various insurance companies and they gave us quotes. An insurance broker called us that was hired by the insurance company to help us find the right insurance company. He answered all our questions and everything worked out really well. Here is his email - ____@____.com can email him. I will let him know that you may be contacting him. PS - you don't have to pay for his help which is the best part!!

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R.

answers from Minneapolis on

Have you checked with your school? I know when I was in college there was an insurance plan offered for students and their families. Good luck!

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A.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

Have you checked with the company that holds your other insurance policies (i.e. homeowners, life, car etc.?) When my husband started a new job, we were able to take out short term insurance through the company that holds all of our other policies. It was much more affordable than COBRA, although you'd have to make sure that it covers the things you are talking about.

Good Luck!

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