Need Help From Senior Citizens Or Anyone Please

[shirley 38]

I am a senior of 66 years young. My husband just lost his job, bit quickly found another one. His Medical benefits will not kick in for (we think) 6 months.
We live in Philadelphia.
My question is I will be without Medical for God knows how long.
Can anyone advise me as to what kind of Medical Plan I can pick up as a senior citizen.
I do have Medicare A but B will not kick until July 1st.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hey Shirley. How are John and you both doing? Been ages.

Give these a look..................

http://www.ins.state.pa.us/ins/lib/ins/consumer/brochures/medsupp/mscolst042804.pdf

Give the folks at Blue Cross a call, see what they have for you guys. My best.

 

[always quiet]

My dad, 85, has Keystone 65 along with Medicare. He used to have Aetna, but they stopped doing the medicare program.

PS Does John still have all his pins?? I remember meeting you and John at the 2000 Philly meet!

 

[Shannon G]

Under a law known as COBRA, if an emplyee leaves thei job (either voluntarily or involuntarily) they are generally entitled to remain on their former employer's insurance plan for a period of time, but at their own expense. I believe the basic period of what they call "continuation coverage" is 18 months. Group health plans for employers with 20 or more employees are covered by COBRA, and the plan is required to send you a notice and information on electing coverage. Although you would have to pay the premiums for coverage yourself, because you are being covered as part of the employer's group health plan, it is typically much less expensive than trying to purchase individual health insurance. For more information, here's a link to FAQs about COBRA on the Department of Labor web site:

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.html

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Does AARP offer anything? Would a local senior center be able to give you resources as well. Best of luck.

 

[shirley 38]

Holy Cow I can you guys remember us. Dan this go way back. I remember you offering me a ride but then John decided to go. What a Gentleman you are.

And the Pin Meet also a long time ago. We stopped with the pins too expensive.
I want to thanks each and every one of you for all your suggestions.,
I did know about the Cobra but it would could me over $200.00 a month.
I don't know if I have this right, I was looking in a medicare book and they have plans for $65.00.
My Medicare B does not begin until July 1st so I do not know if they would accept me.
I guess I will spend my day off tommorow on the phone.
Thanks again guys.
Anyone have anything else to add. Shirley & John

 

[Robinrs]

Shirley,

You might want to consult your state's division of the ASA, the American Society on Aging. for advice. Medical is the top concern of seniors and they can be a good source of an interim provider for now.

One I have used is Kaiser Permanente, if they are in Pennsylvania. You might check them, also.

I agree, COBRA is a joke financially, but if it's the only choice and it might be an option.

God bless,

Robinrs