Self employmen, health insurance and Crohn's Disease

[Drummer]

Hey Guys,

So here's the deal....At my current place of employment they cover 100% of my medical which has been amazing, and is almost unheard of at most companies. I've already been to the hospital once for 4 days since being diagnosed in April and also just started Remicade which is very expensive...so I definitely need insurance.

The problem is, I really want to pursue my passion of starting my own business which I know I can make VERY successful. But after doing a bunch of research it looks like its almost impossible to get private health insurance if you are diagnosed with Crohns. I will be going on COBRA for the 18 months after I leave but I'm not sure what to do after that....

I would really appreciate all of your input and would like to hear from anyone who may have went through a similar experience, those who were able to get private coverage, or any alternatives that might be out there.

I really don't want to let CD run my life and hold me back from pursuing my passion and what I love...so hopefully you guys can provide me with some type of insight that will help me achieve my life long dream.

Thanks in advance.

Drummer

 

[Drummer]

Just to clarify, the business I am looking to start won't require any employees besides me, so a group plan isn't an option unfortunately :-(

 

[Jennifer]

Hmm, I'm in a similar situation at the moment cause I currently have Medi-Cal and they cover everything 100% but I want to leave Social Security soon and start working again but this job I'm looking at has co-pays for everything even though I won't have to pay for the insurance. When you have a chronic illness nothing is fair anymore. I don't know what to tell you other than to just do all the research you can before you decide to get rid of the insurance you already have. Which I know that's what you're trying to do right now, I was just letting you know that there are many of us with that exact same problem.

 

[InkyStinky]

Hey there! When my husband went back to school we tried everything to get health insurance for me (my then-employer didn't provide any), but no one, not even the "we cover pre-existing conditions" companys, not even just the "catastrophic" coverage. This was a bit over 2 yrs ago. At that time I was in remission so we went without coverage. Then a year later I flared. I got a lot of financial assistance because our income was so low. Now my husband is employed full-time again, but it will be a year before our insurance (group) will cover my pre-existing condition.

I am so confused about all the new healthcare legislation - I thought I heard insurance companies weren't supposted to deny anyone anymore, but who knows if/when that will happen.

Some things to look into:

Health-savings accounts. We didn't have enough money to open one, but if you have the money I think the interest is tax-free?

Drug companies have aid programs for folks without insurance. Same for some hospitals. Don't know how much aid you'd get if you had a "comfortable" income, though.

Also, sometimes Remicade stops working for folks - my brother (also has Crohn's) was on it for awhile when I just stopped helping him. So don't kill you dreams but maybe hang on to your current job/insurance for awhile until you see how you do on the Remicade.

 

[Lisa]

Is the self employment something you can start to do on your 'off time' when you are not working? If that is at all a possibility I would do that.....remember COBRA isn't 'free' - I remember when I was on it the cost was equal or MORE than my rent payment!

As for the health legislation...no idea where we will end up with that.....I am hoping that things will not change for me with my employers' insurance....and I plan on staying with this job until retirement (not eligible for another 16 years!).....