My husband lost his job yesterday, no insurance!

[Wizardsmom]

My husband lost his job yesterday and I find my family and myself without insurance for the first time ever. I am freaking out! He's looking for a job today but I dont know what to do. I'm lucky I got my Ocrevus the day before yesterday when I was still insured. Any hints on how to move forward?

[jimeka]

I am so sorry, but if your husband is out there searching for another one, he has a good attitude. In my prayers for a good one, Blessings Jimeka 🤗

[greaterexp]

You all are in my prayers. I'm sorry for the extra struggle.

[Tinker-Belle]

I’m so sorry about your husband. Talk to your neurologist. I don’t know specifics for Ocrevus but a lot of pharmaceutical companies offer assistance. I was without insurance at one point and was able to get my DMT free of charge. Best of luck to you and your husband. I know how stressful that can be. I also know how stress can effect MS if not managed. Best wishes.

[Tinker-Belle]

P.S. I would also encourage you to look into getting insurance through the affordable care act. That was a huge blessing for us.

[Tigerlilly81]

Apply for Medicaid.

[rjoneslaw]

all drug companies have patient assistance programs. Also apply for medicaid or medicare

[Hidden]

I believe under some federal act his employer has to allow his to COBRA the insurance for 18 months. However, they can charge you cost + 4%. Hope he gets a job with insurance soon! Hang in there!

[goatgal]

Both MSAA and NMSS have counselors with lots of information. Call them (numbers are on the web). I am so sorry for the shock of this; it is an emotional, psychological, and financial blow to be terminated. I hope to hear that this storm has passed and your life has sunny skies again.

[pamgarner]

What a kick in the pants!! I carried our insurance at my job so when I left, they did offer me cobra,but very expensive,so if I were you the first thing I would do is call ocrevus,they are helpful,and hopefully your hubby will be employed soon and it is usually 90 days before insurance kicks in, soo I would contact healthcare.gov and look at there healthcare options,my hubby is on it,it has save us alot of money.my prayers are with you,it is hard to think about money when it stops suddenly.these "little life challenges" truly do make us stronger but at times I can do without the extra strength.best of luck

[Wizardsmom in reply to pamgarner]

Me too!

[ahrogers]

That is scary! When I moved and changed jobs I knew I was going to be without insurance for a couple months. I have USAA for my home and auto insurance and went on their website to look into health insurance. They did offer short term health insurance at a variety of levels and costs. As I had just had my Ocrevus the month before I decided to take the risk of not having something else come up during those 2 months as I knew I would have it by the time the next Ocervus was due. My new insurance has a $5600 deductible per year but the Ocrevus copay program covered $5500 of it thankfully.

If your husband next job has insurance with high deductible be sure to sign up for the copay assistance program. The program covers more depending on your out of pocket cost and income too so would help even if you don't have insurance within 6 months. Definitely call them to inquire.

As mentioned before MSAA and NMSA have help and can help cover a MRI if that is needed before you have insurance again too.

Be aware, it is my understanding that pharmaceutical companies cannot provide copay assistance to those on government health plans like Medicare and Medicaid. Not sure what people on these plans pay out of pocket for Ocrevus. This worries me as I am the provider of health insurance for myself and husband and if I become disabled will have to rely on government insurance.

I hope your hubby finds work real soon and this stress goes away! Prayers going up for you.

Annette

[IFwczs]

So sorry to hear that. I think you should apply for both Medicaid and Medicare. If you have not been employed for a year, you should be eligible for Medicare. Talk to a lawyer (preferably a lawyer who specializes in disability). Don't worry about Ocrevus right now, you have 6 months. We have people on this blog who are on Medicaid and Ocrevus. COBRA is too expensive. Get a lawyer.

[IFwczs]

And in the meantime, get coverage for some high deductible cheap commercial insurance. DO NOT bet on not getting sick till it's straightened out!

[Mymarcus2010]

I’m so sorry but don’t be anxious or afraid...we got a major medical when my husband lost his job for the interim. I talked to my doctor and went on an The assistance fund or TAF for my DMT. Still on it until this day. I pray he finds work, we’re in a good economy right now so stay positive 😀👍✌️

[Wizardsmom]

Update....my husband got a new job with the same insurance we had before, we just have to start over on the deductible and copays...which really sucks! We will have COBRA for 60 days and then the new insurance will kick in.

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers!

[kdali in reply to Wizardsmom]

Lucky save!! Sorry you’re going through this though 😞

[Wizardsmom in reply to kdali]

Thank you! Yes, it's very unnerving. He had been at his job fo 12 years....no problems. He caused the problems that lead to his getting fired, which is a hard pill to swallow. Oh well, life will go on.

[kdali in reply to Wizardsmom]

Yikes, you’re doubly lucky then!! My husband has the insurance for us also.

[Kitsey]

Congratulations! That’s fantastic news.

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

Wizardsmom Thank goodness for the new job! He must have great skills/knowledge! Check for assistance from drug company for the between now and with the co-pays.. I've learned that the DMT's are billed as medical coverage, so maybe read thoroughly the above comments and there's allot!! of good info in the comments! Also, please check into this: mymsaa.org/ms-information/p...

MSAA may offer some assistance or guide you to help. Blessings, Lynn