Governmental Help?

[iminflamed]

Does anyone know if any type of governmental or some type of help exists for people without health insurance? I'll be 23 next January, and after I turn 23 I can't be a part of my family's health insurance plan anymore. I'm still in school and will probably go to grad school so I can't get a job with health insurance at the moment. I only need health insurance for the bimonthly infliximab doses I receive, and they are like 10 grand or something ridiculous that I cannot pay without health insurance. Any help would be appreciated.

Chris

 

[tamesis]

Where are you from? the help available really depends on the area you are in...

 

[iminflamed]

Where are you from? the help available really depends on the area you are in...

Yea that makes sense. I'm from Tampa, Florida but I'm currently going to school in Tallahassee (Florida State).

 

[tamesis]

I"m from Canada, so i can't offer much help. Does your school have health insurance available for their students?

 

[iminflamed]

I'll have to go talk with them in the coming days, I'm really not sure. I think we do but I don't think they would cover anything like Remicade. I figure I should probably start asking about this now and not in January when I'm about to be kicked off my insurance plan.

 

[Christy]

The government help available will vary from state to state, you'll need to check with your local county's Department of Social Services. I don't know for sure, but generally speaking ~ an adult with no children is not going to qualify for medicaid, excepting prenatal care or (in some states) some cancers.

But Centocor, the maker of Remicade, does have a patient assistance program! It's for folks who need the drug yet lack insurance and meet their income guidelines. Here's a link for a pdf of the application: http://www.seniormag.com/free-medication/applications/remicade2.pdf

Good luck, hon!

 

[farm]

^ Christy nailed it. I can only add a number for you to call 1-888-ACCESS-1 (222-3771) for free assistance.

 

[imisspopcorn]

It is called the Remi-start program.

 

[iminflamed]

^ Christy nailed it. I can only add a number for you to call 1-888-ACCESS-1 (222-3771) for free assistance.

Thanks yea my mom was telling me about access 1. Thanks everyone for the advice.

 

[fromthegut]

It is nice to know my friends in the US do have coverage.

 

[Mark33180]

As far as i know most insurances will keep you on even after 23 as long as you are in school full time

 

[aarontheanimator]

LOOK UP MICHELLE'S LAW!!!!! It will let you stay on your parent's insurance.

 

[crazycanuck]

A big university like yours may offer a student health insurance. I go to a little Canadian university here and they offer insurance for 150 a year! Maybe check into that too.

 

[saidinstouch]

I was just about to post what crazy said, most schools are pretty much obligated to provide health insurance (at least that is my understanding). Your parents might have been waving the health insurance to save money since they had their own, but I would definitely look into your school as a provider. Also, when looking at grad schools, consider ones that provide you with health insurance. I know if you come to any of the UCs (University of California) for graduate school, you will have health insurance available to you. It might cost you some money (800-900 a quarter or the equivalent per semester), but it is guaranteed coverage.

Talk to your academic adviser if you are unable to find the information about school insurance yourself. If not, look into what Florida specifically offers by going to florida governmental websites and doing a google search for something like "florida disability health coverage".

Good luck to you and remember, when applying to grad school, definitely consider the quality of health insurance in addition to the quality of the program.