OT- just lost my job and I'm pregnant

[emmababy]

I have worked for the same company for 6 years and it shut down last week. I am 6 months pregnant and am scrambling about insurance. We don't qualify for COBRA.

My option is to collect unemployment and go on Medicaid or get another job where I wouldn't have insurance for 2 months and the deductible is $6000, which I don't have.

I am a full commission salesperson, so I am completely at a loss of what to do. I am not one to take assistance but I don't see how going back to a full commission position with that high of a deductible will help my family.

I could really use some guidance!

 

[mickeyluvr004]

Sorry about your job loss IMO i would go on unemployment and get Medicaid. U need to take care of that little one and stressing on all the bills, where the money is going to come from etc... is alot of stress and the baby and u do not need that, keep your head up and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy worry free hang in there and congrats on the baby

 

[emmababy]

Thanks! I'm not quite sure we can make ends meet on unemployment and I would have to take my kids out of daycare. It is def not a stress free time. I was fine to continue to work until I found out today about the insurance.

 

[GingerJay]

I'm really sorry

 

[AJRitz]

I have worked for the same company for 6 years and it shut down last week. I am 6 months pregnant and am scrambling about insurance. We don't qualify for COBRA.

My option is to collect unemployment and go on Medicaid or get another job where I wouldn't have insurance for 2 months and the deductible is $6000, which I don't have.

I am a full commission salesperson, so I am completely at a loss of what to do. I am not one to take assistance but I don't see how going back to a full commission position with that high of a deductible will help my family.

I could really use some guidance!

First, just out of curiousity, why do you think you are not COBRA eligible? I presume the issue is your former employer's size, but wanted to make sure. Remember that the 20 employee threshhold is not as of the date you lost your job. The threshhold is calculated based on the number of employees during the previous calendar year, and needs only to have been met during 50% of the business days during that calendar year. Part-time employees have to be counted, based on the fraction of a full-time work week that they worked.

Second, your profile doesn't say anything about your family situation. If you are married, and your husband has coverage through his employer, the termination of your employment should count as a "life event" that entitles him to re-open his benefit choices. Generally speaking, he should be able to add you to his coverage without a pre-existing condition exclusion (it's considered a continuation of coverage).

If you can't get coverage either from COBRA or through spouse's employment, then you shouldn't feel any guilt about taking advantage of public assistance programs. That's what they're there for. You've been paying taxes into the system while you were working. Now, you are entitled to receive some of the benefits of having paid in to the system. As much as possible, you need to try and avoid there being a gap in your coverage.

If you can maintain continuous coverage, you should be able to avoid pre-existing condition issues - in fact, the suggestion that the new job would not cover you for two months doesn't jibe with what I know about HIPAA. According to the Department of Labor's website:

Generally HIPAA limits pre-existing condition exclusions to a maximum of 12 months (18 months for late enrollees). HIPAA also requires this maximum period to be reduced by the length of time you had prior "creditable coverage." You should receive a certificate documenting your prior creditable coverage from your old plan when coverage ends. HIPAA may also give you a right to purchase individual coverage if you have no group coverage available, and have exhausted COBRA or other continuation coverage.

That won't address the deductible issue, but better to have to find a way to deal with deductibles (the payment of which can usually be stretched over time, if need be) than to go without coverage.

 

[emmababy]

COBRA isn't an option due to the size and the fact the company I worked for shut down. My dh is self employed- so we could get individual coverage but they don't cover maternity.

If I opt for Medicaid- then I can't work to stay at the income requirements.

The insurance broker said there is a 60 day waiting oeriod from my start date. Not sure if that is an insurance policy or company policy.

 

[sisaaliyah]

Hey there I don't have an answer for you, but just wanted to say sorry. I worry about insurance a lot since I carry it for our family - DH is self-employed as well. The company I work for let 9 people go today. Ugh! I'm still hanging on. My DS has bad kidneys and I can't imagine what we would do if our coverage lapsed, and we couldn't insure him because of the pre-existing condition. from Ohio too!

 

[disney_family_1247]

Medicaid is there to help people down on their luck, which is what you are right now. It doesn't make you a bad person to accept help when you need it. You'll get back on your feet!

When I was 8 months pregnant with my first baby, I lost my job because the boss had a thing against pregnant teachers (not exaggerating, several of us were let go at once, all pregnant, and the EEOC found that our rights had been violated). We thought we were finished, but everything worked out!

 

[maryloubsw]

COBRA isn't an option due to the size and the fact the company I worked for shut down. My dh is self employed- so we could get individual coverage but they don't cover maternity.

If I opt for Medicaid- then I can't work to stay at the income requirements.

The insurance broker said there is a 60 day waiting oeriod from my start date. Not sure if that is an insurance policy or company policy.

Every state has different rules, but here in PA you can make up to 200% of the poverty line and qualify simply because you're pregnant. You wouldn't qualify otherwise, but since you are pregnant they will cover you

 

[wdwfan16]

I have worked for the same company for 6 years and it shut down last week. I am 6 months pregnant and am scrambling about insurance. We don't qualify for COBRA.

My option is to collect unemployment and go on Medicaid or get another job where I wouldn't have insurance for 2 months and the deductible is $6000, which I don't have.

I am a full commission salesperson, so I am completely at a loss of what to do. I am not one to take assistance but I don't see how going back to a full commission position with that high of a deductible will help my family.

I could really use some guidance!

Did this company offer you a job? If so and you turn them down you may not get unemployment.

 

[mommylovespoly]

When my former employer shut down, it was true that no one could qualify for COBRA, but the insurance company we had covering us quoted everyone a new individual policy, including me-- and I was 5 months pregnant. The policy was much cheaper than if any of us had not elected to immediately pick it up then and there when the company closed. I was able to start a new job, but my brother (a type 1 diabetic with twin sons who have preexisting conditions) immediately picked up the insurance. It was expensive but carried him over to a new job. That might be worth trying.

also-- please do make absolutely certain that your state's CHIP program (that is health insurance for children, and is administered differently each state-- some by medicare/ medicaid, some by another program: in VA we call it "FAMIS") requires you to be at or below poverty line. In VA you can make yp to 200% of poverty level and be covered while you are pregnant, your children will be covered and the baby will be, too. I just googled it and yes, it allows you to make up to 200% of poverty level. (can't include the link: google "Ohio CHIP" and choose first result, and that page has a redirect link and you will be there.) Obviously if you are a highly compensated sales person then you may make much more than that, in which case you may want to try to negotiate a part time job instead to limit your income for awhile. But if you are fully commissioned and it is a new job, then you won't have salary history to show that you *do* make over the threshold. Not sure how they would work that but you could be pleasantly surprised.

Finally: if Ohio unemployment works like VA-- turning down a job will get you disqualifed QUICK. so be careful there. And turning down a job so you can care for your pregnancy will still get you disqualified in Virginia. Try to get more info on what you need to do.

Finally: you are what is called a displaced or dislocated worker. Almost every state has GREAT programs to help people like yourself. I think from a quick google search of "Ohio unemployment dislocated worker" that, in fact they have great stuff there too. Right now might be the IDEAL time to register with a program like that, get some training paid for by the state (remember-- you paid for this already with taxes) and let them help you negotiate this.


I am getting dislocated (again! 2nd time in 3 years) this fall and that is my plan in case I can't get a job-- our program allows me to pull unemployment benefits while participating in their training program, which will get me a certification (or 2) in my field which will make me more marketable. This is not a "gimme"-- the state benefits from having their dislocated workers trained to make mroe money-- then you can pay more taxes and be added to their counts of skilled workforce available to businesses looking to locate in your state!

Good luck!

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

If you do get insurance with a very large deductible, you may want to consider delivering with a midwife at a birthing center. You would only be a candidate if you meet certain medical requirements, but if you are one of those healthy and relatively young women you could choose to deliver in a place with better outcomes, just as safe if not safer than a hospital, and for far less money.

I delivered my first naturally, even though I had pre-existing medical conditions. This last baby required a special perinatologist and a hospital with a specialized NICU.

In other words I am not someone who isn't willing to use the traditional medical system when needed, but most healthy young women have better outcomes in a birthing center.

Our local birthing center charges $2,000 for standard prenatal care and delivery. That is well below your possible $6,000 out of pocket expense.

My heart and prayers are with you and your little one.

 

[emmababy]

Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I def appreciate all of it! Well, I found out today that we qualify for Medicaid (myself and the kids). But, my hubby is out to dry. He can't even get an individual plan because I am pregnant. I have never heard of that.

The bad news is that my boss owes me $2500, which I was supposed to get paid on Thursday. He won't return my calls, his payroll says nothing has been submitted for payroll. I am soo upset that I worked for him for 6 years and I'm pregnant- and he isn't going to pay me the money he owes me. Any advice on what to do with that my very smart dis friends?

 

[MnMomtoboys]

Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I def appreciate all of it! Well, I found out today that we qualify for Medicaid (myself and the kids). But, my hubby is out to dry. He can't even get an individual plan because I am pregnant. I have never heard of that.

The bad news is that my boss owes me $2500, which I was supposed to get paid on Thursday. He won't return my calls, his payroll says nothing has been submitted for payroll. I am soo upset that I worked for him for 6 years and I'm pregnant- and he isn't going to pay me the money he owes me. Any advice on what to do with that my very smart dis friends?

I'm so glad that you are taking medicaid. Its people like you that medicaid was created. I would much rather pay for your prenatel care than she you go without and have problems at deliverary. I can't believe your dh can't get coverage though.


That really sucks about your payroll. I'm not sure but there has to be someone you can turn too for help.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

You should also apply for WIC -- you qualify since you are pregnant (don't know the ages of your other children, but those under 5 qualify). You will be able to get assistance with healthy food for your family.

I'm so sorry about your situation -- I hope you will find another position when you are able!

Maria

 

[AJRitz]

Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I def appreciate all of it! Well, I found out today that we qualify for Medicaid (myself and the kids). But, my hubby is out to dry. He can't even get an individual plan because I am pregnant. I have never heard of that.

The bad news is that my boss owes me $2500, which I was supposed to get paid on Thursday. He won't return my calls, his payroll says nothing has been submitted for payroll. I am soo upset that I worked for him for 6 years and I'm pregnant- and he isn't going to pay me the money he owes me. Any advice on what to do with that my very smart dis friends?

Your employer has 30 days from Thursday to pay you, or be in violation of the Ohio prompt payment of wages law - O.R.C. 4113.15. In addition to the wages he owes you, if he's in violation of the statute you are also entitled to additional liquidated damages of 6% of the amount you are owed or $200, whichever is greater.

Failure to pay wages due under O.R.C. 4113.15 is also a first degree misdemeanor criminal violation under O.R.C. 4113.99.

I suggest that you contact the Ohio State Department of Commerce, Bureau of Labor & Worker Safety. It's also probably worth it to contact a private attorney about pursuing your claim in small claims court, as it will probably be resolved faster that way. At the very least, it sounds to me like your former employer is on the path to bankruptcy, and you need to get your claim on the record to make sure you're at the front of the line of people to get paid. Depending on the circumstances, even if the company goes bankrupt, you may have recourse against your employer personally for the wages owed.

 

[pookybean]

you should definitly apply for medicaid, i left a job and found out i was pg the next month. i applied for the medical assistance and found a job 2 months later. my insurance there didnt become active for another 3. i reported my new job but i remained eligible because i was pg. once my insurance from work became active **i** cancelled the medicaid. in most states you will be eligible simply because you are pg. here in PA i could have remained eligible until the baby was 6 mths (if i remember correctly) and the baby would be eligible at birth.

i agree with the previous poster, you have paid for these services through your taxes. they are there for you when ever/if ever you need them. do not let a stigma prohibit you from getting care for yourself and your baby. i also agree about wic...heck milk alone is extremly expensive. at a time like this every little bit helps!

im a case manager for a social service agency so i see people take advantage of the system everyday....you would not be doing that, you will be using it the way it was intended!

good luck! oh and i told my new job i was pg about a week after i started...their response was "we love babies!" 6 mths later i had the biggest shower ever, and that was my third baby, i am still there (3 yrs now) and its one of the best places i have ever worked!