Question:
Help in Illinois

I need help..my dad is on strike and our insurance is done and it is too expensive for cobra..I don't know what to do.. I am only 21 and so i don't have credit and my job sucks and has no insurance...what is someone my age to do..I live in illinois and i need help..THanks    — knl2001 (posted on July 31, 2003)

July 31, 2003
Would it be possible for you to change jobs to one that has insurance?
   — JoSyrNY

July 31, 2003
Check your State/County website or contact them. I've seen many advertisements stating that many States have agencies such as Social Services who are willing to assist working people w/ health insurance as long as they fall into whatever salary range that state has established.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 31, 2003
I was surprised to learn that your fathers insurance still covered you at age 21. One suggestion is to wait out the strike and when it ends, his job and benefits will resume as before. If for some reason that isn't an option, then look around for a better job yourself. Many companies (State of Illinois included) offer insurance the day you start with no waiting time or pre-existing conditions. I am assuming it's surgery you are hoping to have, and trust me even if you had credit, you don't want to put yourself so far in debt that you'll never get out. Try applying for a public aid card as well. You need coverage regardless of surgery or not, and if you are in a job that doesn't offer insurance perhaps you'll qualify. If you still live at home with your folks, their income will affect your chances of qualifing but it's worth a try. I have read a number of posts on this sight that clearly stated Illinois Public Aid approved and paid for their surgery.
   — Angela T.

August 1, 2003
For about $90/mo or so, you can purchase insurance from Blue Cross/Blue Shield (and I'm sure other places too) ... BUT I've only seen the commercials, so you'd need to check out what all it would cover.
   — Karyn B

December 29, 2003
Well, I hate to sound rude but come on guys and gals. $90 a month for insurance, insurance companies want an arm and a leg from you when you are fat. I am 5'7" 455 lbs, at 30 years old I have watched my weight go from 200 at high school graduation to my current weight. Slim Fast sits in front of me now. I sure wished I had the money to get the surgery. Oh well. Insurance was almost 450 bucks a month because I am fat. And as the lady said, they can not afford COBRA, if you can't afford COBRA you more than likely cannot afford your own self paid insurance. Good luck to you I hope you get the funds somehow for your surgery. I have written dozens of talk shows and tried to get insurance dozens of times. People just don't understand.
   — Jaime B.

December 30, 2003
Actually, in the state of Alabama Blue Cross and Blue Shield recently had an open enrollment for individuals needing insurance coverage and it was only $130.00 per month. Insurance can be a VERY frustrating thing but it's not always an arm and a leg. Sometimes we actually do get a break! Have you checked into your state's Vocational Rehab program? Sometimes this is helpful for those without insurance coverage. Best wishes!
   — ronascott