Don’t know what to do (still) but it's a different problem now

[Lost_in_life]

Okay, this may be “OT” but it IS causing me anxiety and depression. I’m at a total loss over what to do about my health insurance. I’m unemployed and my ACA insurance premium is just too high (and, for some reason, healthcare.gov is telling me I don’t qualify for Medicaid in my state). I need to cancel the insurance.

Fortunately, my GP and psychiatrist are at a clinic that will charge on a sliding scale for uninsured patients. The problem is that I’ve got a possible abdominal hernia that my GP wants me to get an ultrasound for. If I drop the insurance I won’t be able to pay for it. I also should get a screening for colon cancer since I’m over 50. My GP says a local, government funded hospital will do this at a discount for uninsured patients.

I just don’t know what to do. It’s really stressing me out and adding to my anxiety/depression.

To makes things worse, I’m frozen about asking my dad for advice. I’ve always had difficulty with talking to him about problems. My mom insisted that my sister and I not bother him with problems. We always came to her with our problems. Now, mom’s gone and I feel totally frozen about asking dad for advice. I don’t know how to get over this dysfunctional “dynamic.”

[Catt56]

Hi! Your dad may surprise you and be willing to provide positive input/advice to your dilemma. Give your Dad a try... you may find his advise and problem solving skills are exactly what you need. Best of Luck! 🙏

[Lost_in_life in reply to Catt56]

Thanks. I talked with my sister and she's come to realize that he's easier to talk to about problems than our mom taught us to believe. She reminded me that about the only thing he really he gets upset about is when we've done stupid stuff with our cars. ;->

[IChoose]

I'm in my 50s, on Medicaid and don't like it but it's much better than uninsured, or eaten alive by COBRA. I have utilized sliding scale doctors. I would connect with your county's department of public social services and talk to a case worker to find out if you do qualify, or qualify for Medicaid with small copay. The website is not always right. I would caution against going uninsured, as I did that and it cost me my savings. There are medi share type plans that you can look at, but nothing is cheap as we age. So sorry you're going through this!

[Lost_in_life in reply to IChoose]

Thanks. I just don't know what to do... but I DO know that I can't afford my current premium! I'm not sure how to contact my county's department of public social services. I'm also not sure what a medi share plan is.

[IChoose in reply to Lost_in_life]

Click this link to learn more about medi caid, and you can select your State in the link further down ... medicaid.gov/about-us/conta...

[IChoose in reply to Lost_in_life]

I have never particapted In a sharing plan, but this is one. mychristiancare.org/medi-sh...