SSDI

Hey all, I haven't been posting in a while but I was checking in periodically. I just got some really good news yesterday, I was approved for benefits, even on my first try. This is great news seeing I have been layed off from my job for the past 6 months, Hospitalized twice and am really weak and in alot of pain in my right leg. The uncertainty of my job has lifted what feels like 10 tons off my shoulders. The only thing I have to ask some of you that are getting SSDI, is what have you turned to for health coverage. I was still covered with my job while I was laid off, so now I don't know what I will do for that. Any feedback would be great. Thanks.

I'm so glad you got approved on your first try!

As for your health insurance..I SO wish you would have asked that question immediately upon being laid off! What you NEEDED to do then was to apply for and get COBRA...a sort of "bridge" health insurance between the job you left and a new job..even though in fact you weren't applying for a new job. I don't think you will be eligible anymore..and it is very expensive, so you might not be able to afford it anyway. But it wouldn't hurt to check. Start with your state unemployment services and see if they can provide you links to where you can explore possibilities there.

Unfortunatly you won't be eligible for Medicare until you've had SSDI for 2 YEARS. Meaning, essentially, you have no coverage for the next two years. If you can't get COBRA, you won't be eligible for any sort of private health insurance. You might check with your state -- many states have a "high risk" insurance policy available to residents of the state --but again, it's very expensive.

Other than that..about all you can do is negotiate with your doctors..let them know you have NO health insurance until the Medicare starts, and see if they will provide you with care at a reduced price. A tough spot to be in, for sure.

WOOHOO TERTLE!!!

I'm so glad to hear this for u!! Congrats and take good care of u'rself and that sweet family!

Hey! That is great news. I am happy to hear that things are working out for you.

Tertle, if you didn't apply for Cobra upon being laid off, here is another option. Have you applied for Medicaid in your area? Depending on how much your check is and state regulations, you may qualify. Also, actual health care may be an issue, but there are various medication programs that you can enroll in until you get Medicare that will supply your prescriptions an no or low cost. The MS Society in your area may be able to assist you with information you need until your Medicare is active. Just some suggestions. Hope this helped.