Question:
can only afford COBRA for short time, what about after care?

My husband got terminated from his job today, was handed a cheque with only vacation pay on it and that's it. Insurance is covered until the end of May, surgery scheduled for June 12th and I'm worried about after care if we can't afford COBRA. We will have no money to pay for it unless he gets a job (hoping)... In the event he does not I'm wondering about after care and if it's wise to go ahead with surgery if I might not have insurance soon.....what if I needed emergency treatment. Also, when we get insurance do they take over the care when you had this surgery through another insurance???? Would I be able to have follow up care?    — Mandy M. (posted on May 17, 2001)

May 17, 2001
If you are also not working or under a certain income guidlines you may be eligable for medical assistance. contact your local social service. Otherwise ask your local hospitals if they are covered under the hill burton law and you may apply for free care if you don't have insurance, provided you have a need
   — paula B.

May 17, 2001
Phone your surgeons office as soon as possible. Tell them the problem. I'm sure if the surgeon knew, he could move your date up to the end of May. I had 5 days notice before my surgery date. Good Luck, and God Bless --
   — CohenHeart

May 17, 2001
Find out if you can pay COBRA only for you. My last two employers offered this option. They said it didn't matter if you were covering the entire family prior to leaving, if you just want to cover one person, they'll give you the rates for that. It could be a lot cheaper and help you keep coverage longer. Also, maybe your doctor will move your surgery up. If you can have your surgery and two-week follow-up visit in the same month of coverage, you should be okay. The next visit is usually one month later, which gives you some time. If you don't have insurance by then, it may even be cheaper to pay for the one-month visit than for the cost of COBRA. Good luck! I'm sure your husband will find something soon. :)
   — PT LawMom