Finally employed again! But losing Medicaid.

Hi,

    Yep, I'm back in the work force after being off since October 2013.  During that time I finished a Master's Degree and was the full-time caregiver for my Mom while she battled against primary peritoneal cancer and won.  She is feeling stronger each day and I feel confident enough to go back to work.  I started on May 26 in a completely new-to-me industry.  It's a temporary long-term position that may become permanent, but this company likes to keep contractors as contractors for 2 - 3 years to make sure they want to hire them if or when permanent positions become available.  The temporary agency doesn't offer medical benefits so the Affordable Care Act Marketplace is where I'm heading to find insurance.  I'm fairly certain I have found a plan that will work for me because all my doctors are contracted with the plan and it covers bariatric surgery.

Because I'm just starting with the company, and I know that I will be furloughed for two weeks at the end of the year, I'm am putting off surgery until then.  It was a hard decision since I just finished my 6 months supervised weight loss visits, but I think it's important to not take off much time from work between now and then.  I will have to miss a day or two for Mom's oncology follow-up appointments.  

I really feel like my life is heading in the right direction again. 

Nice that you got a job, but you do realize that you may just have to do everything over again with the new insurance company.  You also have to make sure you will qualify for WLS with the new insurance company.  Just because they cover WLS doesn't mean they are going to make it easy for a person to get approved.

Not to rain on your parade, but I would have had the surgery first then look for a job. 

Congratulations and good luck with the new insurance. Think positive thoughts. You've been doing well with the 6 months supervised and maybe the new insurance will consider the past 6 months in their criteria. If not, you know you can do 6 months and that puts you toward the end of the year at a time you feel comfortable taking the time off from work.

Keep working toward your goal, you will get there.

This is great news!  I'm really glad that things with your mom have settled down enough that you're able to go back to work - that must be a great feeling on so many levels.  My dad's cancer is ramping up again and I'm beginning to wonder how I'll even be able to do my planned college in the fall, so kudos to you for managing a Masters degree as well.  That's something to be proud of.  

And it's also great that you found an ACA insurer that will cover bariatric surgery.  

So sorry to hear the news about your Dad. Lean on whatever or whoever gives you strength during troubled times.

Congratulations on the  new job.  I know that has to be a relief!

Be very selective with policies as you look - for they dont all cover WLS.  As soon as you're active, find out what all needs to be done and how long approval is good for.  I mention this because my approval was good for 6 months, so you could use your recent attempt to apply, then schedule surgery for December.  If not, see what they require this round so if its another 6 months, you can get started right away.           

I too just finished my masters degree after losing my job.  However, I am not looking for work right now because I know my current insurance will cover my surgery.  My plan is to get the surgery first and then start working.  I've been going through the six month supervised diet so I don't want to start over or have to postpone my surgery indefinitely.

I went to Mexico because the insurance after I started working wouldn't cover VGS. Congrats on your degree!

How was your experience going to Mexico?  I was self pay for my band the first time and if I had to self pay again I would seriously consider Mexico.