Health insurance deductible met and about to start over
It wasn't until my parents starting having health issues that I began paying attention to when their health insurance deductible was met and when it started over. In most cases, it starts over on January 1 of the new year. So this is just a public service announcement...if you or your loved one has something they need checked or done, consider moving forward with it before the end of the year if you've got your deductible met. :-)
Just out of curiosity, how conscious are you of whether it'll be more financially feasible to hold off or go forward with a procedure based on where you are with your deductible?
I am the sole caregiver for my ex-husband who has cancer and I am very conscious of this. Out-of-pocket medical and prescription costs are crippling. He no sooner met the out-of-pocket maximum for his medical costs when he hit the dreaded 'donut hole' in prescription coverage. Almost all of his disability check goes to medical bills. If it were not for me looking after him, I don't know how he would get by financially.
I had to quit work in November 09 because my parents both have dementia and I couldnt handle my regular job and the full time job of helping them. My insurance went up about $300 for 1 month then it went up to $1100 1/2 of my monthly income. I got new insurance that costs only $675 per month but there is a 2500 deductable and no coverage for pre-existing conditions for 6 months. I have very bad Knees and hips that need surgury and gout so i am waiting for surgery until after September 19th. The only good thing about this is that the doctors and pharmacists work with my hmo and so the costs are limited by their agreement. The bad thing is in the last 3 months I have paid $700 which I really do not have. I am very aware of deductibles with my parents insurance too because I have been handling their finances for 3 years. Since my Father died on June 8th everything has changed for my mom - cobra, continuing insurance, different income, maybe nursing home. I am very aware of my deductibles and that is why I will try to get the surgery this year. My mom is still living and with me as the primary caregiver so I am trying to figure out what to do with her while I am recovering. What happens if it is a long recovery? I can barely walk now. I have to support my mom to get out of bed and on the chairs and to the comode. my decision for the surgery depends on so many things. My mom is in the hospital today because we could not wake her up for an hour yesterday. The new health law seems to be very confusing and you have to rack up 6 months without insurance to get into the systems set up. What happens in the meantime? And they dont have to be set up until April. I have a crisis right now. By 2014 I might be dead so I cant think that far ahead. To the people that really need it now 2014 is just a pipe dream and does not really appear real. I really really need some good news today. Does anyone have any?
i am sorry about your dad and i hope your mom is doing better. i want you to know that i am thinking of you and hope you are able to have the surgery you need. i know it is very hard all the waiting with the insurance. my husband has 4 months more to wait to get on the government plan. we had to stop paying his insurance we just could not afford it. his brother is doing the waiting game also. my husband is on heart meds and it is more or less around 600.00 a month for the meds! i have insurance, but for not much longer i'm afraid. i have slightly elevated blood pressure so my meds are not that expensive. around 30.00 a month, but at times that is too much for us each month! i am praying for you and everyone out there with a loving hug also that you will get through this difficult time.
please take care of yourself and know that you are doing the best that you can for your mom. i know because my mom is still alive at 81 and i am the only one to talk/see her along with my daughter! hugs to you and have a beautiful day!
