Re: Cobra, medicare A, medicare B

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/21/00 9:15:56 PM Central Standard Time, DCP6364@...

writes:

<< If I get it extended for 2 or more years then I will be eligible for

Medicare. >>

This reminded me of something some of you may not know. When you have health

insurance through work and have to resign, you are eligible for COBRA. That

is the same insurance as you workplace provided (with some more

restrictions). Generally you are only eligible for COBRA for 18 months. I was

concerned about what I was going to do between the 18 month it ran out and

the 24 months when I would be eligible for Medicare. There is a federal

regulation that requires COBRA to be eligible for persons on disability for

an additional 6 months, therefore there would not be a lapse in coverage.

Another point is that Medicare A covers next to nothing. I would recommend

that anyone near this situation highly consider purchasing a Medicare B

supplement. That isn't too expensive and would minimize any out of pocket

expenses.

Karyn

<A HREF= " http://hometown.aol.com/karynwms/myhomepage/business.html " >Pancreatit

is Support Network</A>

[Guest guest]

Hi Karyn,

Hang in there. I know this may not be GREAT words of encouragement, but

anymore that's all I'm told and that's all I know how to do. I still haven't

heard from the home health agency or the Dr. I know I'm going to be put off

until after the weekend, and I'll be even more sick. This is the first time

this soc. has dealt with me and the pancreatitis, he was the doc. to treat me

with my Crohn's. He really has his work cut out for him, he just doesn't

know it yet. I think going with the PICC or Central Line for IV fluids and

pain meds is a good way for you to go. Removing the rest of the pancreas

will result in what for you? My pancreatic pain is located in the head and

the tail. I know the pancreatic duct is not accessible, according to the

ERCP I had on Tues. Opening the common bile duct ahs done nothing but cause

more pain.

I do have the COBRA insur. plan. It is very expensive, and yes I can

continue using it until I am eligible for Medicare. I am definitely going to

get the extra coverage because GOD knows I can't survive without it. It's

bad enough I'll have to go back to paying full price for my Rx. Right now I

have a copay of $20.00, this is an increase over $10.00. I am really

disgusted with my insur. co. right now. But we both know stress is not good

for our health. Let me know if you have ever heard of an MRCP.

Talk with you later. You and all our pancreatic buddies are in my prayers.