Advice needed

[hiwaygal]

I lost my job recently and am not sure I will be getting unemployment yet (I should know sometime later this week). Even if I do qualify, it is about 1/3 of my salary.

I am starting a temp job later this month that is about the same as unemployment (about 1/3 of my normal salary).

We are running out of money. I don't think I can afford the COBRA insurance for more than one more month, and it's becoming doubtful I'll be able to afford all the medications I take.

I was supposed to go for my scheduled testing last month but was out of town (helping my brother out) and now am watching every dime. I can't really afford to go to my doctors.

Does anyone have any advice on what resources might be out there to help me?

 

[*pixie*dust*]

I lost my job recently and am not sure I will be getting unemployment yet (I should know sometime later this week). Even if I do qualify, it is about 1/3 of my salary.

I am starting a temp job later this month that is about the same as unemployment (about 1/3 of my normal salary).

We are running out of money. I don't think I can afford the COBRA insurance for more than one more month, and it's becoming doubtful I'll be able to afford all the medications I take.

I was supposed to go for my scheduled testing last month but was out of town (helping my brother out) and now am watching every dime. I can't really afford to go to my doctors.

Does anyone have any advice on what resources might be out there to help me?

What state are you in? Consider contacting your local social services office. You may even be able to contact your doctor's office and see if they have contacts for local low income prescription services.

 

[shortbun]

I lost my job recently and am not sure I will be getting unemployment yet (I should know sometime later this week). Even if I do qualify, it is about 1/3 of my salary.

I am starting a temp job later this month that is about the same as unemployment (about 1/3 of my normal salary).

We are running out of money. I don't think I can afford the COBRA insurance for more than one more month, and it's becoming doubtful I'll be able to afford all the medications I take.

I was supposed to go for my scheduled testing last month but was out of town (helping my brother out) and now am watching every dime. I can't really afford to go to my doctors.

Does anyone have any advice on what resources might be out there to help me?

Speak to your doctor and pharmacy about affording the meds. Some pharmeceutical companies have programs or coupons to help. Sometimes a doctor can change meds for less expensive ones. Benefits available vary from state to state for things like food stamps, clinics, blood work and testing in those clinics on a sliding scale. Here in Ohio, SS disability income is enough money to put one in a fairly high income bracket for those sliding scales and people without children pretty much don't qualify for food stamps.
There is always the Food Bank which turns no one away. There are small jobs everywhere but finding one with benefits is a real feat these days. No employer wants to pay benefits.

I can tell you from personal experience that you never know when you'll need insurance in an emergency. I'm on Cobra-very expensive, astronomically expensive Cobra-and this winter, I landed in the hospital for back to back emergency surgeries. Long story short, I would have been out of pocket over $200K but my Cobra insurance took care of it. We suffered and did without lots to pay that cobra and I'm so glad I did. Ask your friends and family for help so you can keep your benefits and continue to look for work.

Unemployment is taxable income so be prepared to pay taxes later even if you do get it. It's better to get a job. Good luck!

 

[scrapquitler]

I lost my job recently and am not sure I will be getting unemployment yet (I should know sometime later this week). Even if I do qualify, it is about 1/3 of my salary.

I am starting a temp job later this month that is about the same as unemployment (about 1/3 of my normal salary).

We are running out of money. I don't think I can afford the COBRA insurance for more than one more month, and it's becoming doubtful I'll be able to afford all the medications I take.

I was supposed to go for my scheduled testing last month but was out of town (helping my brother out) and now am watching every dime. I can't really afford to go to my doctors.

Does anyone have any advice on what resources might be out there to help me?

For your prescriptions, consider asking your doctor if he can provide you with samples (sometimes they can, sometimes they can't). Look into places like Walmart, Target your local grocery store pharmacy, etc. and find out if any of them offer your particular medications in a generic for one of the $4 per month programs. Also check with the manufacturers of each of the medications to see if they have one of those precription card programs for that particular medications. Sometimes those card programs can net discounts.

As far as the insurance, if possible, go get your testing before your insurance runs out. Then contact your social services department to see if your state offers some kind of program for those without insurance. There might be a sliding scale or low cost option out there.

 

[hiwaygal]

Thanks everyone!

I've been researching the "obvious" options and I already use Walmart and as many generic drugs as I can (there are a couple that are not available generic). I do need to see if my docs can offer samples even if that is so humiliating.

shortbun, I wish there was a way I could manage to keep COBRA, but if I have to choose between health coverage and a roof over my head, I think I have to choose the roof. Unfortunately, I think that's what it's coming to...

 

[Handbag Lady]

My mom is a senior and in her circle of friends, some have written to their drug manufacturers to get assistance and have found they have programs for all sort of things: seniors on a budget, nursing moms, sudden unemployment, etc. I would try that avenue, too.

 

[ilovemk76]

Thanks everyone!

I've been researching the "obvious" options and I already use Walmart and as many generic drugs as I can (there are a couple that are not available generic). I do need to see if my docs can offer samples even if that is so humiliating.

shortbun, I wish there was a way I could manage to keep COBRA, but if I have to choose between health coverage and a roof over my head, I think I have to choose the roof. Unfortunately, I think that's what it's coming to...

We had this discussion once at work and I said I woulD pay my health insurance before my mortgage (or rent). What good is a house if you are sick? Since you obviously have medical problems you need to keep insurance or you health will suffer.

Does your DH work? If so, go on his company insurance. If no, why can't he work to help make up the short fall?

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

I too would choose health over a roof! Pay your medical stuff first.

The house is not going to do you any good if you are dead!

 

[Hannathy]

If you have health problems no way should you let all your insurance lapse. Start checking into other self insurances compare it to Cobra, but keep Cobra if you can't find anything else.

one or both of you need to find a part time job just for the money not career, McD's, a store, babysitting, cutting grass, tutoring (I have no idea your field)

Does he have any benefits? even if not as good, it is something.

Anything you can cut? Cable, cell phone? only 1 car?

Good luck but I have always done whatever I had to to keep medical insurance since I was out of college.

 

[hiwaygal]

My mom is a senior and in her circle of friends, some have written to their drug manufacturers to get assistance and have found they have programs for all sort of things: seniors on a budget, nursing moms, sudden unemployment, etc. I would try that avenue, too.

Thanks, I've been looking into that as well!

Thank you all for your advice and opinions. I guess my priorities are different. It is extremely important to me to not lose my house. My health issues, while "serious", are not life threatening. We have no car payments and over the past 4 years or so, I've been trying to get rid of other outstanding debt, there is still some (I'm not perfect ) but progress is very slowly being made.

Unfortunately, I have looked into other insurance besides COBRA, but do not qualify. There are some local free clinics and I'm going to make an appointment with my doctors to see what help/advice they can offer. I was just hoping someone here might know of something else I can do.

I know letting my health insurance lapse is a tricky thing (pre-existing conditions and all that), but it may be my preferred option.

As I mentioned, I'm starting a temp job in a few weeks (their schedule) and surprisingly, I got a call late yesterday afternoon that may turn into a job offer (keeping my fingers crossed).

My husband is also looking for work, and taking classes, among other things.

Hannathy, I don't want to cut our cell phones because that's the number I've been giving out to potential employers. We're looking at what other "luxuries" we can cut (cable, etc) as well.

I've got a little time to figure things out, I'm just trying to be proactive.

I do appreciate the different opinions and advice, it's okay if we don't agree!

 

[Hannathy]

Hannathy, I don't want to cut our cell phones because that's the number I've been giving out to potential employers. We're looking at what other "luxuries" we can cut (cable, etc) as well.

I should have been clearer (not enough coffee yet) I really meant assess your cell phones. Do you have a fancy smancy plan when all you really need is basic texting and calling? I'm amazed at how much some people pay for their phones.

And seriously look at jobs just as jobs and not career stepping stones. If a 20 hour a week job at Mc D's let you buy into their insurance at a good rate then you or your DH should go for that for now.

 

[tosha27]

Thanks, I've been looking into that as well!

Thank you all for your advice and opinions. I guess my priorities are different. It is extremely important to me to not lose my house. My health issues, while "serious", are not life threatening. We have no car payments and over the past 4 years or so, I've been trying to get rid of other outstanding debt, there is still some (I'm not perfect ) but progress is very slowly being made.

I am 100% with you. There is no way I would choose health insurance over my home. You are doing the right thing.
I don't have any advice, but Good luck!!

 

[hiwaygal]

I should have been clearer (not enough coffee yet) I really meant assess your cell phones. Do you have a fancy smancy plan when all you really need is basic texting and calling? I'm amazed at how much some people pay for their phones.

And seriously look at jobs just as jobs and not career stepping stones. If a 20 hour a week job at Mc D's let you buy into their insurance at a good rate then you or your DH should go for that for now.

Thanks again (and yeah, some mornings there just ISN'T enough coffee!). We only have very basic cell phone coverage anyway, no texting or web access or anything like that. I'm amazed at what folks pay sometimes too!

As for the jobs, I've been looking at almost anything. To be honest, I'm amazed at some of the questions even those little 20 hr McD's jobs ask! I swear I took a 120 question TEST for a position at Petsmart!!! I'm a licensed professional with a Bachelor's degree - it felt a little like overkill!!

We are also looking into starting our own business (the field I'm in and my experience could make that a fairly profitable venture - if I have the guts to go through with it! ). I've scheduled some meetings with former coworkers and colleagues to get their input as well as some folks I know who have or have had their own business. And my husband and I are taking some classes offered by the local chamber of commerce and other non-profit agencies for help with businesses as well.

I am 100% with you. There is no way I would choose health insurance over my home. You are doing the right thing.
I don't have any advice, but Good luck!!

Thanks for your support!

 

[brymolmom]

I'm so sorry for your situation.

You mention having a little time to assess things, but my best advice would be to get rid of the luxuries TODAY - to give you more of a cushion for the necessities.

Basic cell phone - one per couple - pay as you go can be about $25 or so for 3-ish months.

Cable should be gone today.

Groceries should be bare minimum and very little meats and only fruits veggies that are lower cost.

If you own two vehicles - try to only use one between the both of you and take trips out only when you can do 2 - 3 things at one trip to save on gas.

You mention your house and some other debt...perhaps speak to your lenders about lowering your per month payments to allow you to be able to keep enough $$ to pay the Cobra??

 

[hiwaygal]

Hi brymolmom and thanks for your input! You have some good advice and ideas!

My husband is the one who handles the cable stuff - and we are seeing what options we have. Because we have a bundle package, it could cost us more if we break things apart. BUT! We are looking at switching providers and getting an introductory rate that would be pretty low at least in the short term. While I'm willing to give up nearly everything cable, I still need my land line and the internet (which has proven to be a godsend when applying for jobs!).

I've been trying to convince my husband to go the pay as you go route on the cell phones - he's not quite sold yet, but I'm still working on that. Even if it's only a few dollars less than what we are paying now, we don't use them much and I might get two months out of the same cost instead of one.

I have contacted my lenders and utilities to ask about options and assistance. I was shocked to find they won't even talk to me until I'm late!!!! (fools!)

Everything else you mentioned we are doing. My car has been used for two trips in the past several weeks, and only because my husband had a class or appointment at the time.

My brother bought us a small chest freezer recently and we are going to use that to buy some bulk meats (chicken for $1.35/lb) and other frozen goods that should last us through the summer. I used a little $$$ to plant some veggies to help offset the cost of that. I want to get some basic baking supplies so I can make breads and stuff to help offset that cost. If I'm at home, I might as well be making things instead of buying them.

I'm doing as much as I can with the $$$ I have now to reduce additional costs in the hopes that any money I make or unemployment can be used only for necessities (mortgage, gas, bills).

I'm scared but hoping we'll make it through and we'll get jobs soon.

It's nice to have people to "talk" with. I haven't really confided all this to anyone. The anonymity of the 'net is helpful sometimes.

And right now I'm waiting for a phone call that might prove to be the end of my worries.

 

[ilovemk76]

I am 100% with you. There is no way I would choose health insurance over my home. You are doing the right thing.
I don't have any advice, but Good luck!!

Having a house is nice. Getting the best treatment for my cancer was priceless. Without health insurance you could lose your home if you got sick.