Health (S)Care(d)

Tomorrow my health insurance ends. That would probably explain why I haven't sleep much lately.

My coverage was through my previous employer, and because of the small staff, COBRA coverage wasn't possible. At most, I could pay $500/month for up to three months of continuing coverage under their plan. My new employer helped me with nearly half the cost of the coverage, and I am very, very grateful for that. He has been trying for the past few months to find a way to cover me. Unfortunately, that hasn't come to fruition yet.

I looked into individual coverage, but was told by insurance agents that I would either not qualify for coverage due to pre-existing conditions, or that if I did qualify, I would have to pay the highest premiums...and that my pre-existing conditions would not be covered for the first year under the plan.

My attempts to get a continuing emergency plan through my current insurance company has led to a labyrinth of phone calls leading to broken promises and zero information. The call today let me know that the office that may be able to help me closes at 5pm, but the client services representative couldn't tell me what time the office OPENS! Really?! Thanks.

There is a fantastic state run plan that would fit my needs to a tea, but it's full, and there's a waiting list. The other state run plan is open, but I have to be uninsured for three months AND denied coverage in order to qualify.

The federal program I would qualify for necessitates being both denied coverage and being uninsured for six months.

I am trying to keep a level head about the whole thing, but it is entirely frustrating and is likely to result in divulging my very long medical history to complete strangers in order to get minimum assistance paying for things like keeping my asthma under control, having follow-up mammograms, and dealing with the variety of  ailments I'm bound to pick up along the way.

Are there other options? A third job, part time, with benefits? Marriage? All proposals will be seriously considered.

I'd love to think that I've got an immune system of steel, but I just wasn't built that way. I need health insurance, and I'm scared.