I am 36 and need insurance...

[Guest guest]

Hi, I was just diagnosed with RA and need health insurance. I have

been turned down by two companies. What should I do? Need advice.

I am in so much pain sometimes I cannot stand it and cannot get the

drugs I need to control it becuase it is too exoensive without

insurance. Thank you for any help or direction you may be able to

provide.

-

[Guest guest]

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Federal law states that you may not be refused insurance based on

pre-existing conditions. It varies from state to state, so check your

state's regulations. Basically, private insurances can only refuse to

cover you if your state provides a " state insurance pool " . For example,

I live in Alaska. Our state provides insurance for anyone who is

refused coverage by an insurance company. The premiums are high

($460/month for me) but at least I am covered. They cover all my RA

expenses even my Enbrel. Check with your state insurance office. Once

you've been refused by 2-3 private companies, you should be able to get

coverage without too much trouble. Good Luck!

radrev2003 wrote:

>Hi, I was just diagnosed with RA and need health insurance. I have

>been turned down by two companies. What should I do? Need advice.

>I am in so much pain sometimes I cannot stand it and cannot get the

>drugs I need to control it becuase it is too exoensive without

>insurance. Thank you for any help or direction you may be able to

>provide.

>

>-

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sorry about your RA diagnosis and pain, . Welcome to the group.

It's hard to know what to advise without knowing more about your

particular situation, but, as suggested, high-risk pools are one

possibility. They aren't available in every state and there are

restrictions, but please check out the information I sent in a separate

post.

There are various assistance programs for those without coverage or

inadequate insurance to help them obtain the meds they need. Here are

some good resources along those lines:

From PhRMA, HelpingPatients.org:

http://www.helpingpatients.org/

RxAssist Program:

http://www.rxassist.org/default.cfm

The Medicine Program:

http://www.themedicineprogram.com/

[ ] I am 36 and need insurance...

> Hi, I was just diagnosed with RA and need health insurance. I have

> been turned down by two companies. What should I do? Need advice.

> I am in so much pain sometimes I cannot stand it and cannot get the

> drugs I need to control it becuase it is too exoensive without

> insurance. Thank you for any help or direction you may be able to

> provide.

>

> -