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Man I can't believe this just happened..
My wife worked for a company, they had a decent insurance plan. When she was downsized in December, we elected to jump on COBRA..
Well, I guess the enrollement for Aetna insurance dropped by 10% so her former employer is saying that Aetna Cancelled the insurance for the entire Group..
That leaves me without insurance.. I'm so angry right now that I'm ready to scream
Any thoughts?
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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My only suggestions are:
1) If you have a business, look into the small business insurance plans.
2) Sadly, don't get sick!
I was in the un-insured world for a few years, but I was in good health and was in my lower 20s. So, I didn't have a lot of health problems that sometimes come with getting older.
Good luck!
*Edit* Oh yeah, and I'm not sure it's still like this, but there are some places (I know Starbucks used to do this, they may still do it) that will provide health insurance even to part-time workers. May want to look into that, too.
Last edited by brownsfansince79; 05/09/08 09:34 AM.
I am unfamiliar with this feeling of optimism
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My first thought is a cold one: you or she needs to get a job that has decent health care benefits. But I don't know your situation and so I can only wish good health to you and your family. That has to be a tough spot you're in and I hope everything works out for you.
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You should be able to find coverage that is no more expensive than the Cobra. There are several companies out there, but I would check into it quick, as you don't want to be without insurance for very long, and your still a few years away from being able to get medicare.
I AM ALWAYS RIGHT... except when I am wrong.
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Daman... did your wife's former company stop carrying health insurance altogether or did they just cancel the Aetna group policy (while keeping other group plans). If the company still carries other health insurance options, you may be able to get COBRA coverage under one of their other plans. I would definitely call the HR/Benefits representative and ask about that.
If that doesn't work, I would look into organizations like COSE in Cleveland to see if you can get into their group insurance plan. You'll have to join, of course (I don't know what that costs), but they might be able to get you decent rates on a health plan that works for you and yours.
Good luck!
[color:"white"]"Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."
-- Mark Twain [/color]
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Insurance companies and gas companies can pretty much do as they please and there's not much we can do about it.
I'm retired and our insurance for retirees went from $50.00 a month to $236.18 as of Jan 1st 2008.I have no choice but to pay it.Private insurance at my age would cost twice that much.
I suppose it is better than being cancelled.Her company should look into another provider ASAP.
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 Seriously though. I was talking to an Aflack Rep a few months ago and they do small business and individual insurance plans. Small business is for less than 15-20 employees . Find a rep and give a call and see what they can do for you.
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Quote:
That leaves me without insurance.. I'm so angry right now that I'm ready to scream
Any thoughts?
Yes, work on your stress management skills... you're gonna give yourself a heart attack and you're not covered for it 
What about your company? I would think that with your position in the company you shouldn't have much of an issue.... perhaps have them contact COSE?
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
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I thought Daman owned his own business. I may be thinking of someone else though....
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I AM ALWAYS RIGHT... except when I am wrong.
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Quote:
Any thoughts?
Yes, but nobody wants to hear it........
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
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I was waiting for you.
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Quote:
I was waiting for you.
Well, he actually has a problem that needs addressed and as much as I hate to say this...................I respect him as a poster. So I won't highjack the thread.
But I did watch Sicko yet again last night.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
#gmstrong
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I have the same issue that Daman has, but I don't like that answer. 
#gmstrong #gmlapdance
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You do know there are many lies in that "documentary".  Now, back to Daman......
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Brownsfansince79: Quote:
1) If you have a business, look into the small business insurance plans.
I've as of this morning, joined the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Being self employed and being the owner of a small business may help me.. not sure. going through the process is a pain in the butt however.
Working for starbucks isn't the answer..
Reckon:
Quote:
My first thought is a cold one: you or she needs to get a job that has decent health care benefits.
it's funny, I make enough that my wife hasn't had to work in years. As for me taking on a different job,, that's just not an option. I make too much money doing what I do and to miss out on that doesn't make a great deal of sense either..
GMdawg:
Quote:
You should be able to find coverage that is no more expensive than the Cobra.
You have to remember GM, that I had Cancer in 2000 that was surgically fixed with no side effect, no radition, no Chemo required..
Then in 2006 I had to have surgery to repair an anurisim (sp).. you may remember me being in the hospital just before Christmas that year.
That history makes it difficult. I joined AARP and tried to get insurance through United Healthcare and they flat out denied me due to the anurism thing.. No Vascular history issues are allowed..
Brownslifer:
Quote:
Daman... did your wife's former company stop carrying health insurance altogether or did they just cancel the Aetna group policy (while keeping other group plans).
What happened was that I used a PEO (private Employer organization) to employ my wife for my company. Then she signed up for the insurance and I paid her a salary as well as 100% of the health insurance premium.
THe PEO was losing employees so they had to get a different plan. Because of that, I had to lay my wife off and jump on Cobra.
Now Aetna is saying that since the enrollement has dropped by 10%, they can no longer insure any of us and they just dropped the entire group. Us included.
At this point, there seems to be some question as to when they informed the PEO of thier intended actions. The rep from the PEO says he got a call last night.. I'm not believing him at all so I've hired an attorney to investigate. Something is rotten here but I can't tell for sure what it is. YET
Atomic:
Quote:
Seriously though. I was talking to an Aflack Rep a few months ago and they do small business and individual insurance plans. Small business is for less than 15-20 employees . Find a rep and give a call and see what they can do for you.
If you check, Aflac is a company that sells supplimental insurance. not REAL health coverage. That's only an option if you have regular insurance.
Purp:
Quote:
What about your company? I would think that with your position in the company you shouldn't have much of an issue.... perhaps have them contact COSE?
I'm self employed, I own my own company with only 2 employees,, me and my wife. I'm actually working that angle with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce as I write this.
As for stress,, Yeah, I'm pretty stressed out at the moment... for sure.. But my blood pressure is good so I think no gaskets will be blown today...:LOL
Jules: Yup, I'm selfemployed..
GMDawg:
The National Assocation of Self Employed persons is fine, but the plans they offer are strickly HIGH HIGH deductable.. Funny thing is, I may end up having to do just that.. My choices are limited at this point.. it's an avenue I've got to research yet today. Thanks
Pit:
Quote:
Well, he actually has a problem that needs addressed and as much as I hate to say this...................I respect him as a poster. So I won't highjack the thread.
Which part do you hate to say, that you respect me as a poster, or that you don't want to hijack the thread 
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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Actually, the rep I was talking to said that they have regular health insurance. She had asked if we had health insurance at our shop and when I told her no then she went on to explain that they have regular insurance as well as the supplemental insurance of which you speak. It's still worth a look see. What's the worst they can say? NO? Then it's off to another avenue of thought.
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First off, that just sucks.....anyhow....
I also own a small business, with less employees than you - 1.
I've got insurance through medical mutual of ohio. It's a high deductible plan, but I can put money into an HSA (up to 3500/year tax free) that also can be used as a retirement account if I do not use it.
I pay $159/month for medical and dental. It is just me on the plan, as my ex-wife carries the insurance for my son through her work.
If you want more info, drop me a PM. It was really easy to setup; I can put you in contact with the agent that I use if you'd like. My dad sells annuities, so he knows a lot of people in the insurance world - he's the one that put me in contact with the agent I use.
#gmstrong
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That kind of sucks. I had health insurance since I started working at the hospital in 2000. I never used a single penny of it for over 5 years except my dental and eye exams. But since 2005, I've had to use it several times on myself, plus a TON on my daughter with all the problems we've had.
The price of healthcare jumps up considerably year after year, as do insurance plans. I remember paying $7 every 2 weeks for my medical, dental, and eye insurance. I now pay pay about $120 every 2 weeks for the 3 of us. A lot of it had to do with my hospital forcing me to change plans due to my daugther. But the amount was pretty much almost doubling each year.
You need to find something quickly, because you never know when you'll need it. You can end up in the E.R. tonight for all you know. Glad you've already started looking into it. If you own your own small business, you'll have to look into a personal insurance. Could be a little pricey, but it's something you need. A lot better than a $200,000 hospital bill. Good luck with everything.
![[Linked Image from pic18.picturetrail.com]](http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL905/3216203/6567769/349897772.jpg) "The Browns' defense is kicking mucho dupa."
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Quote:
That kind of sucks.
More like that really sucks. The resposible person that works saves his money for retirement is the the one who gets owned if he's unlucky enough to get caught without insurance. The insurance companies pay out way less than half of what Joe Citizen bill would be. The good news for DaMan is that Cobra is expensive and if he can afford that, he will be able to pay for another insurance without much life altering trouble. I feel for the folks with mortages and car payments that suddenly lose thier jobs and can't afford the insurance. This is the best system we can come up with? 
btw Happy Birthday!
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I pay $400 a month thru my Company and it sucks.
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Start with the state insurance board to see what options you might have.
Other than that, start shopping.
I understand at your age it is going to be hard to find if you have any preexisting conditions and or it is going to cost about $500 a month for some some crappy plan that requires a huge deductible and fairly low limits of coverage..
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/small-gator-chomp.gif)
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Well then Aflak has changed and yeah, I'd like to hear more.. do you have the name of the person you spoke with.. maybe you can PM me that info,, Thanks AD
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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Quote:
Start with the state insurance board to see what options you might have.
When you say options, are you referring to recourse against the former group or Aetna?
Hell Peen, the plan I just lost was costing me 1135.00 per month to cover me and my wife.. So I'm used to getting High bills,
But that surgery I had in 06 was 100k alone, so to me, it's worth it.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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Daman
Check with your chamber of commerce, mine runs a health insurance program that is competitive with many company's group rates and I live in a pretty small community.
Official Trevor Laws Pimp... Bring on the Energizer Bunny
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I am not sure about this but I think in OHIO you have a certain amount of time when you are dropped from a health plan where health insurance companies have to take you, even with pre existing health issues. SO dont wait long before you get into another health program.
KING
You may be in the drivers seat but God is holding the map. #GMSTRONG
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All Pro
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I'm a Employee Benefits Broker. My suggestion like others have said would be to get a Individual Plan. Just don't let your coverage lapse by more than 63 days. Once 63 days have lapsed, the new carrier can impose a pre-existing condition penalty on your new plan.
Raleigh NC Fan
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I don't want to turn this thread into a debate...it just baffles me how we all put up with it. We are goaded into dumb debates like 'Health care for everyone!' vs. 'Government is bad and I don't want them running health care!'. We talk as if we're either looking down the barrel of getting screwed by the government or getting screwed by the insurance company and we have no recourse. What the hell ever happened to 'we the people'?
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Quote:
don't want to turn this thread into a debate...it just baffles me how we all put up with it. We are goaded into dumb debates like 'Health care for everyone!' vs. 'Government is bad and I don't want them running health care!'.
We talk as if we're either looking down the barrel of getting screwed by the government or getting screwed by the insurance company and we have no recourse. What the hell ever happened to 'we the people'?
Beyond the occasional, "that sucks" or "That REALLY sucks" nobody has said a word about the govenment or insurance companies screwing anyone.. Until you that is.
Do you have any thoughts that may help me?
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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Quote:
What the hell ever happened to 'we the people'?
Its been replaced by I want mine and screw everyone else.
KING
You may be in the drivers seat but God is holding the map. #GMSTRONG
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'.. "We the people " Have been going by , by since the late 60' early 70's ! The Country is to divided for a citizen Govt & thats just the way Big Bro & Big Biz like it 
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I wish I had more thoughtful help, my friend. Act fast, as you don't want to get caught up in the pre-existing conditions game. Health coverage can often be a rock and a hard place. Good luck.
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If you belong to Sam's club check out plans they offer. The preexisting conditions you have may disqualify you, but the rates are better than what you were already paying. Hope you find something soon though.
Go Irish!
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Well, it appears I have the answer for the quick fix. Since what we did orignally was to put my wife with what is known as a PEO (private Employer organization) and that one kinda is going out of business (which I firmly believe they withheld payment to Aetna, thus the reason for Aetna to drop the entire group) All I need to do is get another PEO.. Put my wife on Payroll for a couple of months or until we can find alternatives.. I'll take care of it Monday... Thanks to everyone for trying to help 
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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Good to hear. Never like to see someone go without health insurance.
"The Browns' defense is kicking mucho dupa."
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WOW,, you wanna talk about amazing stuff..
If you read this entire thread, you know that the Group Health Insurance plan my wife and I were on was abruptly terminated without warning.. Something to do with the enrollement in the plan dipped by 10% causing AETNA to Cancel the entire group.
Well, after speaking with the department of Labor, I come to find that the Employer of record is required to provide a letter called COBRA Notice of Early Termination.
I've not received that letter yet.
What else I found is that because it's COBRA, once it's terminated, I have rights under HIPAA.
Simply put, through whatever state you live in (I'm in Ohio) HIPAA mandates that every insurance carrier provide basic health coverage without regard to pre-existing conditions.
You will never guess who has to provide me insurance.... that's right.. AETNA LOL
I'm checking with all the other carriers now from a list the state provided to me.
So far the quotes of guaranteed insurance run anywhere from 1200.00 per month to 1600.00 per month.. I was paying 1135.00 per month so it's not that huge a jump for me..
So, if you ever find your self in a pickle like I did, contact the US Department of Labor, COBRA division and then your state Insurance Assistence program.
It isn't cheap, but it's a whole lot less expensive than NO INSURANCE....
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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I think if you had contacted your state insurance commission as I suggested you would have found out the same thing.
Glad it worked out.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
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It's funny you should bring that up Peen..
I did exactly that. I called what is titled, the State of Ohio Department of Insurance, Health Insurance Assistance program..
I'm not kidding about this, but they basically fluffed me off on the Department of Labor, where I ran into a lady that asked me questions that lead me back to the State Insurance folks..
But this time, I was armed with the right statements to make and the right questions to ask..
Even then, some dippy bureaucratic bimbo tried her best to skate out of dealing with me.. You know how some of them can be..
So this time, I get them on the phone, and after a futile attempt on thier part to blow me off, I finally let it be know that under HIPAA, I am eligible for this service and that she needs to get me the list of insurance companies and that I wasn't getting off the phone until she did..
within seconds, she was asking for me email address and while still on the phone with her, I received the email with the complete list of carriers...
So I actually did follow your advice.. it just wasn't as easy as you made it sound.. of course, that had a lot to do with the idiot I first talked to..
But thank you Peen,.,. You were right on
Last edited by Damanshot; 05/13/08 01:13 PM.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
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Bimbo on phone: Yeah like helloooo this is ......... who do you want to talk to? Da Man: (with look of dread) I would like to speak to someone about COBRA. Bimbo: Um, like, you want to talk to someone about a snake? Da Man: No. C O B R A the health insurance coverage people. Bimbo: Um, like, Um, you sure you don't want to call the Columbus Zoo and talk to them about cobra's? Da Man: (by this time ready to smack the blond outta her) NO. I would like to speak with someone about COBRA cancelling my health insurance. DINGBAT Bimbo: Well, since it's work related you need to talk to the Department of Labor, I think that's the people that deal with work, or um is it giving birth. 
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#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Health Insurance Canceled
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