Insurance Issues

Hey, returning member from... Well, years ago here. This was the site I first turned to when I was initially diagnosed at 18 (or maybe 17? It's been a while a little over a decade). I dunno if anyone from before is still here or not.

I suppose I've been fortunate. I think the worst things that have happened to me are an abscess, C. Diff, and a partial obstruction. And of course multiple very painful flare-ups with no other complications. I think my GI doctor was trying to reassure me not too long ago when he told me my disease is mild. I'd like it to stay that way. I'd like the flare-ups to quit freaking me out and also not be so painful (I have a heating pad and take Tylenol and recently I was prescribed this anti-spasmodic that helps, but sometimes those things don't cut it.

It would help if I could afford care and treatment for my disease, but I work retail (I've been trying to find a better job and have thought about freelance writing to see if I can make more money that way, but these things are hard to do when you're managing a very tight budget, Crohn's, depression, and also you have (possibly) fourteen cavities. I don't have health insurance (or dental insurance).

When Obamacare first started, I was able to get on a good plan, and things were really tight, but I could see my doctors and get my medications and get my hospital visits covered. And then, the premiums and deductibles started to rise, and the benefits became less, and the state I live in now (for the past 7 years) did not opt for Medicaid expansion. And even so...

I want to work and make money and be productive. I'd really like to be able to afford to take care of a pet companion at some point. In order to get on Medicaid here, I'd have to qualify for disability benefits (SSI) and not be able to work and make my dreams reality.

I don't think my disease (and the combination of my depression) is bad enough for me to qualify. But I still need care. I don't want my disease to get worse. I don't know what to do.

My doctor says I need insurance. My friends tell me to get insurance. My adoptive parents tell me to get on insurance.

But I've been trying to look for other options, and there just isn't anything available to meet my needs. And I'm very stressed.

(Also, I'm on Prednisone right now, so probably not helping with my insomnia and anxiety and mood and whatnot).

I need advice. Anyone who's been in a similar situation... Just give me some suggestions. I feel very hopeless right now.

I'm 30 years old. I work retail. I tried getting an education out of high school (was diagnosed with Crohn's at 18). I went to a community college. First year went great - All A's. The following years? Not so much; I really struggled (and had to take out a loan at some point) but managed to graduate with an Associate's degree in General Studies.

I tried to go on and get a Bachelor's (was thinking Food Science at the time) - Struggled more because of my Crohn's and depression. Nearly ended up homeless at one point...

In any case, education is not a feasible idea at this point. Besides that, it's getting to the point where the return on education is not worth it. I have friend's with computer science degrees and master degrees who can't find a good job right now.

I have been looking for a better job situation, been trying to even just do part-time work in addition to my other job for more experience, and I'm still having trouble.

Meanwhile, my disease continues, and I constantly struggle with getting medical care.

I can barely take care of myself (not really interested in getting a family).

I don't know what to do, and I feel awful.

Lots of big retail places offer great insurance. So if I were in your shoes I’d apply at all the major places immediately . I believe Apple has work from home jobs for the call in to support stuff. Apply to at least 5 jobs a day and something will come along that has the benefits you need! Good luck!