Losing My Insurance

I'm not sure what to do right now. So I'm here to vent an get opinions ofcourse.  Here is my problem.

I have been looking into WLS for a few years now.  I have GHI and know the 6 month diet requirements. I started Weigh****chers in July, started going to my PCP in Sept. every month so I'm covered there.  My appoinment with my surgeon finally happened last friday (17th) and have already seen the Nut and will be going for the Psych on monday and I'll be going for my pulmonary visit on thursday.

Now here is the bad part...my office is closing, construction has been hit hard in this economy.  I was told that they would keep insurance going for May and possibly June...but I really doubt it.  I have my next surgeon visit on the 13th of May and if I dont have insurance I will pay what the office visit costs. 

IF they dont keep the insurance going (I really was begging them to pay till at least June so that I can get this done) do you think I can get insured by the state? Is that Medicaid since I will be going on unemploymen for the time being?

Any and all replies will be GREATLY appreciated.

*Almost forgot, I'm in Queens. 

I am so sorry to hear of your misfortune. BUT!!! I have good news. If you can qualify for healthy new york... its a bit expensive but even if you can get it for a couple of months. I had my surgery with Dr. Geiss when I had it. No 6 month medically supervised diet. I had my first appointment Jan 4 08 and my surgery March 10th 08. If you need help figuring this out I am more than happy to help you.

Now I am sure it is very possible you are not having lapband and you want the RNY i forgot to check before I hit reply, but... i am sure there is a bariatric surgeron who does the RNY and well take the healthy new york.

Let me know if you need any help. PM me. or reply here :-)
Good Luck on your journey!

Rachel

you might be better off looking into COBRA to continue your insurance... I know it's a big expense, but at least you won't have a lapse of coverage to worry about...

I'm not sure how well medicaid is at covering wls... I heard they only do so many a year, and it's already going into May.... hopefully someone else will give you more of an idea... sorry you're dealing with that!

Thanks guys.  I will look into both suggestions.  For now I am still covered, but can't  wait to see the way high price that COBRA will be when I get the notice. 

Under the new stimulus package the government will pick up 65% of the COBRA cost so you will only have to pay 35% for at least 6 months. Your employer will get the credit on their payroll tax payments. This may work out for you.

I had NO Idea abut this!!  I will have to check this out. This is actually great so I can still have my insurance not change and go ahead as planned at east for now.  I was going to apply for Healthy NY thanks to Rachelena for all her help, because it was a good deal and all my doc's also accepted it. 

But this is great news for sure.  I will get in touch with unemployment and learn what I need to do.

Also NY Medicade my friend had paid for hers had to be on a 6mth supervised weightloss program..and if you were on one prior due to loss of your insurance they do take that into account