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Obama Care Srewed me Over!

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 2/4/2014 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
I found out last week that I don't have any insurance and apparently haven't since the beginning of the year. My insurance company cancelled my insurance without telling me because of Obama care. Last week I was worried about my future doctor and remicade appointments. That was until today when I got the mail and found that I owe the hospital $43,000 in 8 days for my last remicade appointment that I forgot was in January.

I got my masters in September and since then have been unemployed. I have been living off the money my dad left me when he passed away unexpectedly. I feel like the biggest failure. I will be moving back in with my mom and for the first time in my life will be in debt because of crohn's disease and Obama care. I can't get a job in the field I studied and it seems like now i will spend the rest of my life working in retail. I'm only 25 and I see no way out of this. Because of Obama care I can no longer afford my car, apartment, or food. I'm sorry if this seems dramatic but I feel I not only have failed myself but I have failed my dad who believe in me so much.
Posted 2/4/2014 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
I suggest that you get some legal assistance. Insurance companies are not supposed to cancel your policy without notifying you. Also, I thought the Obamacare policies that were cancelled were only the ones with only catastrophic coverage?? Also, call the hospital billing dept as they may be willing to write off part of the bill. Sorry this has happened to you, but maybe you have some recourse. Also, I don't understand why a cancelled insurance policy would cause you not to get a job in your field and cause you to work in retail???
Posted 2/4/2014 5:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks again Obama!
Posted 2/4/2014 5:47 AM (GMT 0)
Send Obama the bill! Maybe try to get a local news station involved. Maybe they can reassure the hospital to drop the ridiculous charge! If not I hate to say it but your misfortune with this idiotic ins mess would get a lot of airtime from sympathetic channels.
Posted 2/4/2014 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
sounds to me like your insurance company screwed you. get legal advice and find out about your hospital's assistance programs.
Posted 2/4/2014 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, gumby is correct. The insurance company is required to notify with sufficient time. Also, shame on the hospital for not checking to see if you had current insurance before giving you the infusion. If you gave them an insurance card at the time of check-in, and they didn't verify its validity, then when you signed the sheet guarantying payment, you did so without complete information. This makes them liable also.

Also, those that sign up for the Affordable Care plans prior to March 31st, you can get coverage for this year. Since your income is low, your policy would likely be very low cost and/or possible free.
Posted 2/4/2014 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
This was the insurance company's screw-up. They are obligated to inform you. Did you get something you either didn't open? Is it possible a notice went to another address?

It is possible to sign-up for new insurance now. In that way, ACA can help you.

I am sure the hospital will work with you.
Posted 2/4/2014 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
I am also sure that your hospital has a financial assistance method that you will be able to tap into. Otherwise, there are other ways, such as letting the insurance company try to sue you and fighting them in court for not notifying you about your end of coverage.

I know this is hard for you but I'm about 10 years older , I can say you're gonna be alright, and you're gonna learn a lot in the process. You'll come out of this stronger and better. Just keep trying to find a way and don't give up.

I have had hospital bills reduced when I could not afford them by calling the hospital and simply asking. Your mileage may vary but just wanted to add a little positive twist to this!
Posted 2/4/2014 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
I have spoken to the hospital and they say that they called the insurance company before it was cancelled so they are not liable. I am trying to work out a payment plan but it will be a few days. They said they don't usually do payment plans for such large sums (that makes no since to me). I have tried to call my insurance company for the past week since I found out I had no insurance, but I either get the automated system just hanging up on my saying to call back later, or I spend 2 hours on hold and still don't get a person.

I applied the other day for obama care, but the insurance company said it would take 4 weeks before they get the application and can approve it, then I have to pay it and they still aren't able to tell me when it would go into affect.

Either way my next Reimicade appointment is in two weeks and I don't have insurance and at this point I can't even afford to see the doctor to find out what I should do about possibly switching.
Posted 2/5/2014 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Can you look for something like this in your area:
http://www.communityhealthadvocates.org/

I Googled "Community Hospital Advocate"
Posted 2/5/2014 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
if you haven'y used it already remistart, http://www.remistart.com/

but know this they need the bill in 30 days my hospital screwed me by billing 2 months late.

T
Posted 2/10/2014 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
I agree. The insurance company screwed you over, not Obama. I haven't been able to have insurance for the last five or six years because of this wonderful pre-existing disease. I am over the moon with Obama care. For the first time in a long long time I am not afraid of being sick and actually have a bonafide doctor appointment next week. Have you actually tried to apply for "Obama Care"? It's super easy and you get your answer straight away whether you are eligible and how much, if any, tax credits you qualify for. I would think it is a good thing for peeps like us....
Posted 2/10/2014 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Man, that's a tough one. Sorry about your troubles. Can you provide your state, insurance company, and the type of policy you had? Thanks, and I hope you get this straightened out.
Posted 2/11/2014 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
Try applying for medicaid for your state and make sure when you apply that you let them know you have medical issues that cause high medical bills frequently. If they approve it, they will back pay 3 months in most cases.
Posted 2/11/2014 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
I skipped the Obama care website and went to the state's website.
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