Question:
Help! I don't know what to do about my insurance!

My husband and I have been purchasing insurance through the cobra laws...(it was premera blue cross) and the end of March our 18 mths. were up. I know we have 63 days to go with another company. Due to both of our medical problems blue cross of Montana denied us but there is a company we can go with after the state denied us. The problem is it's 350.00 a month just for me!!! Hubby is in the process of trying to get disability and if he does he will eventualy ger medicare but I wont be eligable. I'm terrified to be without medical coverage since I have had a large hernia repaired with mesh and it still protudes, buldges and hurts at times. I'm not at all happy with the hernia surgery and am worried something else may need to be done with it. Does anyone know of an insurance company that would take me and not be as expensive? I just don't see how we can afford the premium for this one. Thanks, Deb Holder    — Deb H. (posted on April 7, 2002)

April 6, 2002
Perhaps you should look for a job which provides health care. I can't think of anything else---- Good Luck
   — Robert L.

April 7, 2002
I can only speak for NJ, and every state is different. But, call your state insurance commission and see if they have a list of health care providers with rates for individual coverage. NJ has this, but as a self-employed person carrying an individual policy, I can tell you it is VERY expensive. I had BC/BS traditional indemnity with a $1500 deductible and 70/30 plan, and as of May 1st, it went up to $500 a month. So, I switched to Oxford Liberty PPO for $365/mo...still pricey, but better. Only HMO's were cheaper, and I just don't agree with the gatekeeper thing, as well as the lack of choice, so I won't go with an HMO. The state of health insurance in this country is a disgrace. Anyway, good luck.
   — Leslie F.