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[Safetykitten]

This message was self-deleted by its author (Safetykitten) on Sat Sep 14, 2013, 01:56 AM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

1. Not trying to be insensitive to your plight. I do feel bad if you're shut out of health insurance

But if ACA hadn't come along, wouldn't you still be in your current predicament? Isn't there at least light in the near future that you WILL be able to participate in an exchange that again cannot deny you coverage due to preexisting conditions?

I am sure you know more about this timing and effects than me. But again. I don't think it is ACA that did this to you--it was the prior shitty state of health insurance racket.

[Safetykitten]

3. No, guess why...this is from Aetna.

They said that BECUASE of the ACA, they will not be underwriting anyone that has ANY issues and that BEFORE the ACA they would of written me, but of course the fee would be very high.

Now they do not underwrite ANYONE apparently under 30, and are waiting with baited breath to have the full open field of screwing EVERYONE, equally.

You people are sickening. Truly sickening. You see the effects of this crapfest EVERYDAY now, but are just walking around pretending nothing is happening,

So my wish, my lovely wish is that all you delusionals when the REAL effects of this come out, and it will PERSONALLY affect you, and then you think back and say....gee we really fucked up this, well because it effects ME now.

[upaloopa]

23. You are blaming us for what an insurance company said and

because your check bounced?
The ACA is going to give millions of single older men health care that they never would have gotten and reimburse the provider 100%. That mesns there will be money at county medical clinics like where I work to treat people lke you.

[upaloopa]

39. We bill Medicare, MediCal (Medicaid in CA) insurance if you have it

or if you are indigent we still treat you.
Check out your county public health department.
The ACA is going to give many indegent older men Medicaid and reimburese the providers 100% rather than get nothing. That means more money to spend on people everywhere. It is really a good thing in the long run

[dionysus]

189. no one called you a loser. why are you lashing out at people who are not insulting you? nt

[Ms. Toad]

34. Aetna's claim is nonsense.

Every major insurance company has been denying coverage to anyone with any pre-existing condition at all for at least the last 20 years. Putting you through a physical and an extensive background check before picking whatever risks they perceive you as having is (and has been) par for the course and has NOTHING to do with the ACA.

[Ms. Toad]

81. I have denial letters from ~1993

during the decades when my health care costs were less than $500/years. Multiple insurance companies refused to cover me, even if I waived coverage related to the single pre-existing condition I had.

Are you really unaware that that is how insurance companies have been working for decades?

[Ms. Toad]

99. Here are some facts.

http://kaiserfamilyfoundation.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/8327.pdf

The right to be issued an insurance policy simply didn't exist in most states prior to the ACA. If you were issued a policy with pre-existing conditions you were extremely lucky. Unfortunately, your luck ran out and you are now in the same situation the rest of us have been in for decades.

The ACA changes that. I know you don't want to hear it - but for 3 months you are now getting a taste of why many of us know that the ACA is a step forward from the current situation. Be grateful it is only 3 months, and not 2 decades or more.

[Ms. Toad]

126. Would you really have preferred it be the situation

millions of others have lived with for decades? To face it *only* for 3 months, from my perspective, is a blessing.

(Not that anyone should have to face it at all - but in the general scheme, 3 months is a very short period of time.)

[PasadenaTrudy]

155. My boyfriend

is 51 and hasn't had insurance since the 1990s. He has pre-existing conditions and will be able to get ins. with Covered California. I'm so relieved..so is he!

[Ms. Toad]

169. I have been fortunate enough to have had access to insurance

through work for all but 8 years of my adult life. Otherwise I would nave been in a world of hurt, since I have been uninsurable since 1988 (although I wasn't aware of that status until I was rejected (multiple times) for insurance once I was no longer employed).

I was really dreading my daughter aging out of my insurance - her only option would have been to go on disability, and she is probably not severely enough impaired (yet) to qualify. I'd have probably been carrying her at a cost of $1,500 - 1,800/month for as long as I could afford it.

[liberalhistorian]

171. Yes. Try three years instead of three months, which

is what hubby and I had to deal with until we got insurance earlier this year. Millions more have had to deal with being uninsured for a lot longer than that, with many of those having to deal with huge medical bills. Are you really that unaware of what so many of your fellow Americans have had to deal with for so long in that regard? Or did you not look beyond yourself in that respect?

[Kolesar]

177. Pretzel Warrior gave you an honest answer and you are goading for a fight

Go to some yoga or deep breathing

You people are sickening. Truly sickening. -- kitten

[pnwmom]

2. You're not making a lot of sense here. Most of the people who will benefit from the ACA

are people like you, who can't get other insurance. Those are the people Obama's been fighting for.

My son is getting COBRA right now. In January, he'll be able to get a gold policy for $200 a month less than he's paying now. His girlfriend will be able to choose from several policies that cost less and cover more than her current individual policy.

[pnwmom]

35. You can't get insurance now because you lost COBRA. Thanks to the ACA, starting in January

you will have a choice of policies that are likely to cost LESS than the COBRA you lost. So why are you so angry about the ACA???

Under ACA, 56 year olds will generally be paying LESS than they previously did, if they qualified for insurance at all.
I suggest you go to your state exchange site and plug your information in and see what your actual cost is estimated to be. It will probably be less than your COBRA, especially after taking into account any subsidy or tax credit based on your income.

No, you are not my son. My son, and everyone else in his generation, will be helping to keep YOUR health care and mine affordable, by their very presence on the exchanges. You should be thanking every one of them who decides to participate because their participation is key to YOU having health insurance come January.

[pnwmom]

72. Until you go to your state's calculator and get your cost, you're just

blowing a lot of hot air and smoke.

Guess you're afraid to do that because you'd rather just be angry.

[pnwmom]

92. Thank goodness the ACA kicks in then or you'd have nothing.

Not unless you wanted to spend the $800 -- and even then the insurers all could have banned you, depending on the results of your blood tests.

[Ms. Toad]

112. And millions have been waiting far longer. n/t

[Ms. Toad]

148. Well - you probably put me in the ACA gang

since I pushed hard for it over the only other realistic option - which was no change at all.

Part of the reason that something had to change - even if it was not the change I would have preferred - is that there were not places, things, or services for way too many people. Everyone I know who supported passing the ACA did so not because it was a wonderful plan, but because there were millions who had no access to health care under the existing system. It was a choice between doing nothing as a protest against legislation which could be passed but was far from ideal - and pushing for some change that would create more access for more people.

The removal of mandatory participation in the Medicaid expansion program by the Supreme Court is being used as a spiteful tool by people who believe everyone should just pull themselves up by the bootstraps. I don't know how to fix that (and I am not suggesting it is the only problem - but it is the most egregious one). That change means now that two groups which cannot afford it will be particularly hard hit - those with little to no income in a state which refuses to expand Medicaid, and those folks near or just above the subsidy cutoff who can barely make ends meet. And - within those groups those with chronic illnesses will be hardest hit. That includes my own family once my daughter hits 26. She will be paying not only premiums every single year, but also the maximum out of pocket every year - unlike relatively healthy people her age. That means her health care costs will be at least double the cost of her similarly situated healthy peers.

But - it is still better than the current system, given that she is almost certainly heading for at least one transplant.

[pnwmom]

114. Again, for the temporally challenged: January 2014, February 2014, March 2014, April 2014 . . .

and all those many months till you get Medicare -- you'll be able to have insurance through Obamacare.

Otherwise, having lost your COBRA, you'd either have to get insurance through an employer, or through Medicaid (assuming you qualified under the old rules) -- or you'd have to cross your fingers that some individual insurer would be willing to take you on at a rate that wasn't through the roof due to the normal array of health issues that any 56 year old would have.

[kestrel91316]

124. Boo effing hoo. 4 months without insurance. Cry me a river.

I haven't seen a doctor for jack s--t in over 6 years due to lack of insurance. And you want people like me denied coverage and denied subsidies.

I've wondered about you for a while. Now I KNOW what you are about.

[kestrel91316]

142. I have never said it was the be all and end all, lol. I have always felt that it was just one more

step in the direction of Single Payer.

We always knew it wasn't going to take place instantaneously. You weren't paying attention if you didn't know that.

[kestrel91316]

160. You're irrational. The people who should have healthcare will be GETTING healthcare,

in some cases for the first time in YEARS.

You need help.

[notadmblnd]

107. Maybe, but my sister is 55 and was uninsured and has been uninsured for several years

She recently went to the ER with severe stomach pain. Turned out she has diverticulitis (sp?). It is where the intestine develops small pockets much like an appendix and things like seeds and nuts get stuck in them and become inflamed. Hers was so bad that she was excreting blood.

Anyhow, she basically told the hospital that she had no way to pay. She was there two days. The person at the hospital who works with "poor losers" put her in touch with organizations that could help. By being a little humble and following through, all her ER bills and hospital bills were paid. They got her on our states medicaid and now she even has dental. She pays a small co-pay. 15 dollars per visit and that includes counseling. She's having all her teeth pulled and it is costing her 15 dollars a visit for the extractions and 135 per plate.

Another woman I know is 51. She has no insurance and has seizures. Currently her Dr works with her, He calls in her anti seizure medication once a year instead of making her visit the office every month. She has been hospitalized several times since I've known her with seizures and instead of asking for help, she checks herself out because she is too proud to tell them that she can't afford to pay.

I've tried to convince her to follow through, ask for help and do what is asked of her in order to get her the assistance she needs. I'm certain that she would qualify for SSI disability, but again she won't so much as make a phone call or follow the process. It's much easier for her to complain about her plight I guess.

So perhaps if you took a deep breath, calmed down a little and logged on to your States website, you might be able to find some programs that could help you? Catholic Social Services is also a great resource that may help you get the help you need. If you are unemployed, in October, you should qualify for your states medicaid program. It should not take til the 1st of the year for you to get on the program- especially if you have a medical emergency.

I've listened to both of the woman who's situations I've described above. I listened to my sister complain for years about not being able to get medical attention. My sister finally realized that she had to take action. I'm still listening to the other one complain, she hasn't realized that she is the one making it hard on herself.

[Yo_Mama]

4. I sympathize with your predicament, but I don't understand why you blame ACA?

Your situation is that of millions over the last few years, and next year ACA changes that situation. It was a situation that needed to be changed - many who lost jobs couldn't ever afford the COBRA payments.

[Yo_Mama]

9. Hey, listen, I don't have insurance either

I don't think ACA is the answer, because of what happened to me. There's nothing in the law that would prevent it from happening under ACA, and I bet it will. Insurance companies have the ethics of a pack killer dogs, which is pretty much what they are.

But regardless, ACA is not the reason for your problem and mine.

[Yo_Mama]

188. Absolutely none.

nada, absolutely nothing.

[pnwmom]

37. Do you mind sharing what happened that you're worried could happen again? n/t

[Pretzel_Warrior]

12. amazing. you tell another DU'er to shut up and jury votes 3-3 to leave it

[liberalhistorian]

184. Well, if your view of balance and other views

is anger, vitriol, insensitivity to those worse off than you and yelling "shut up" instead of discussion, then that's not exactly what I'd call "balance."

No one here thinks the ACA is perfection incarnated, far from it. And there have been many thread that have discussed the downsides of it, in addition to the many benefits. You probably just didn't pay attention because it wasn't important to YOU at the time.

[kestrel91316]

128. She's not the one who needs to shut up. And why on earth you thought the old way, of

not paying for preventive measures and denial of coverage due to "pre-existing conditions" and other criminal crap by insurance companies, was a good thing is utterly beyond me.

If you have ever been treated for ANYTHING in your life you had better be effing grateful for the ACA, which will make denying insurance to you and millions of others a crime come Jan 1.

[kestrel91316]

163. Ask Congress. And stop blaming DUers.

Your constant demand for instant gratification makes you sound like a two-year-old.

[AZ Mike]

137. It's a good thing....

....that Obamacare covers mental health pre-existing conditions.

You are a troll. There's coverage for that.

[PasadenaTrudy]

162. Lol! n/t

[Kolesar]

166. Monty Python "self defense against a fresh fruit" sketch, 1970

well done.

[liberalhistorian]

178. Wow. You want people to

show you sympathy and compassion for a situation that YOU largely created and one for which many cannot even relate, as most couldn't afford COBRA, and many have been uninsured for a long time, but this is how you respond to others when they try to communicate with you and show you the more positive side of your "crisis"? Seriously? Get a fucking grip, Jesus.

[phleshdef]

7. The timing of your mishap was awful and unfortunate.

If I could give you some of my health coverage right now, I would.

Having said that, if your mishap had happened next year, post-ACA kick in, instead of this month, you would be in a much better situation than you are right now.

Its illogical to shit all over the ACA because it wasn't fully implemented before something shitty like this happened to you though, because you fully well know that its the ACA that will mitigate a lot of these same situations once it has kicked in.

The ACA will save a lot of lives and theres no argument you can make that will ever change that.

[phleshdef]

15. Wow. You know you are understandably angry and I think you are saying some very...

...irrational things that don't tie out with the truth at all. I believe its best to just end my part in this discussion here because, though I never am one to shy away from a nasty debate, I really can't continue on with you now knowing your circumstances and the very understandable state of emotions that comes with that.

[phleshdef]

33. The only other thing I'll say is that the ACA is not to blame for your problem.

And it will undoubtedly be a solution for many who have these same kinds of problems once fully implemented.

That's all I can say about it.

[pnwmom]

87. With regard to your situation, the only problem with the ACA

is that it's not fully in effect till January.

[kestrel91316]

130. Blame your COBRA insurance company for what happened to you. ACA had nothing to do with it.

And yes, blame yourself too for writing a bad check.

Meantime, you can get medical care at any of a number of community health centers that get federal and state funding. OR do like I have had to do for years: do without.

I make sure I eat a healthy diet, keep my weight within normal range, and don't do ANYTHING that increases my risk of illness or injury if I can help it.

[kestrel91316]

143. WTF does COSTCO have to do with it??? I'm not a member. I CAN'T AFFORD IT.

And I don't have a fucking car to drive there anyway.

Like I said, cry me a river. Hardship for 4 months might make you into someone who has a tiny bit of sympathy for those less fortunate than you, but I won't be holding my breath.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

192. You need to go away from DU until you have yourself under control

People really have tried to be nice to you in this thread, and you're shitting all over them and making an ass of yourself. You're going to feel bad about this later, unless you're a sociopath. The people in this thread haven't done anything to you. Now you can either yell at me, or consider internalizing what I've told you.

[Ms. Toad]

40. Both the poor and unemployed ARE covered by the ACA

The former with major subsidies, and the latter for free.

It will do you no good to get the exam if you have any pre-existing conditions (or issues). No major carrier will cover you (and would not have any time in the past two decades). Getting an exam would be a waste of money. That issue has NOTHING to do with the ACA.

Try a short term policy to fill the gap (http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/short-term-health-insurance). No exams required. Then start shopping for coverage when the marketplace opens in October.

[pnwmom]

42. The poor -- yes, through a massive expansion of Medicaid.

The unemployed -- yes, through subsidies and credits that can be adjusted based on income.

Those with preexisting or serious medical conditions -- yes, through rules that require insurers to accept all who apply and ban them from dropping people when they get sick.

Those with high medical costs -- yes with the elimination of annual and lifetime limits.

In 4 months you won't need a blood workup or any other test to get insurance -- thanks to the ACA.

[NutmegYankee]

8. So even though Obamacare fixes the problem your facing -

You're mad at it anyway (the whole thing) because it doesn't happen fast enough. Except without it, you'd be totally fucked.


Man oh man

[NutmegYankee]

14. You can buy insurance on the exchange next month.

Yeah, you have to wait till Jan for it to kick in, but frankly, without Obamacare you'd potentially never get insurance until you were 65.

It's a good thing. You just had lousy timing for a bad event.

[NutmegYankee]

19. Some got it, millions didn't.

Since you're so awesome you can be underwritten as noted in post 11, why don't you do just that? Get a 6 month policy. Millions of people with pre-existing conditions couldn't.

[NutmegYankee]

24. Do you really believe the shit you just said?

[kcr]

102. Uh... Try no.

People with pre-existing conditions could not get health insurance. Full stop.

[Ms. Toad]

46. You are absolutely wrong.

No one in my family has been able to obtain insurance - at any price - for at least two decades. The policy, for at least that long, has been that they would not underwrite anyone who was not perfect.

[pnwmom]

56. Not true. Before ACA, millions of people were locked out at any price.

But apparently you're so wealthy you'd have paid any price. But now you're screwed, because of Obamacare.

Except then why are you complaining about the $800 in blood tests? If the old system was better, because you KNEW you could always get underwritten, then go for it! Pay your $800 and pay whatever exorbitant premium they demand. Because anything's better than Obamacare, right?

[NutmegYankee]

70. Oh wow, that was really convincing...

Even used the ALL CAPS like an AOL user from the 90's. The sheer magnitude of your effective fact containing substantive reply has blown us clear out of the water!

[yewberry]

22. I did it by going without for most of my adult life.

"How odd"? Is this some kind of new information for you?

[yewberry]

43. What's MY deal?

I waited tables for many years. No insurance for part-timers. And no, you don't go to the emergency room. You find sliding-scale or free clinics, and when you can't find that, you pay for what you have to.

I have insurance now. I've had it for 5 years now, but I'm 45 and it's the first time I've had insurance as an adult for any significant period or time.

[kestrel91316]

133. There we have it folks: major RW talking point, lol!

Are you aware that ERs don't have a very good grip on management of chronic conditions?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????


Nevermind. Obviously not.

Or you are, and you just got a huge raise for trolling us.

[kestrel91316]

145. Well, either that or you are in need of professional help for that narcissism.

News flash: YOU are not the center of the known universe.

[Ms. Toad]

45. They didn't. And that is the point you are missing.

Because you apparently never had to shop on the open market for insurance, you were apparently never aware that anyone with any pre-existing condition more serous than a stubbed toe was routinely denied coverage. Period. Everyone in my family has been uninsurable for more than two decades.

[Ms. Toad]

180. Do you live in one of the 5 states with guaranteed issue?

or one with a high risk pool?

(I can't imagine any insurance company issuing a policy to someone who has pre-existing condtion(s) so currently costly that you can't go 3 months without coverage)

[hunter]

48. Well, first they called my wife and I uninsurable... our Cobra ran out...

... and then for a couple of years I didn't have health insurance. Easy as that.

My wife qualified for our state's sliding-scale "high risk" plan.

I wasn't insured again until my wife took a job offering a high deductible family health plan.

Then we paid $8000 a year premiums, usually reaching the $8000 deductible in November or December when we could pry a few hundred dollars out of the insurance company and they'd act like they were doing us a favor.

Our insurance is a little better now, but not much. I still don't go to my doctors sometimes when I should if I owe them money.

We always owe money to somebody for medical bills, which has destroyed our credit rating.

Mind you this was all for random stuff that could happen to anyone. You take care of yourself, you don't smoke, you wear your seat belts, and shit can still happen.

[pnwmom]

44. How do you know that, at age 56, they wouldn't decide your preexisting

conditions made you an undesirable customer?

And why would you want to pay through the nose if you could get any policy at all? Under Obamacare, a 56 year old can't be charged more than 3X the youngest, healthiest person.

[pnwmom]

78. So? Without Obamacare you wouldn't be getting it in January, either.

Obamacare means there will be an END to your insurance-less-ness. You won't have to wait till you're 65.

Get it?

[NutmegYankee]

90. I was there for two years.

You'd be surprised how many others have had that experience.

[Ms. Toad]

106. Got it -

It is the exact same scenario that millions of Americans have been in for decades. It has nothing to do with ACA.

Three months is a pain to be without insurance, but come January 1, the ACA will make insurance available to you - at a much cheaper cost than COBRA or HIPAA - the only previous nationally available options for people with pre-existing conditions.

[kestrel91316]

135. IwantIwantIwantIwantIwant..............

We sure got that part.

But what you REALLY want is for the poor and the currently uninsured to STAY uninsured, because, well, it's ALL ABOUT YOU.

[liberalhistorian]

153. And my husband and I were uninsured for three whole

years before finally getting insurance this year. Millions of others who "wanted insurance now" were or have been uninsured for a lot longer than that, many of them with conditions that precluded their being able to even get insurance, before the ACA, and millions with huge medical bills as a result.

Here's a clue little kitty-you are NOT special and unique. Far from it. Get it now?

And maybe you SHOULD have made sure you had enough money in your account before writing a COBRA check. It wasn't a matter of writing a check for a few bucks for pizza or a couple items at the convenience store thinking you had enough when you were just a couple bucks short, a lot of us have made that mistake and BTDT. COBRA payments are usually far more than that. If you were able to cover it the very day the check bounced, then why weren't you able to have it covered in the first place when you wrote the check?

[bunnies]

20. I have no insurance either.

And I need a joint replaced. Lost my job over it and now I have no income either. Do you have income, kitten? If not... youll be eligible for medicaid in january (like me). Sorry about your situation. I know it sucks.

adding the link: http://www.medicaid.gov/AffordableCareAct/Provisions/Eligibility.html

[Pretzel_Warrior]

28. college students were eligible to be covered on parents' insurance prior to ACA

what ACA did is say they can be covered regardless of whether they go to college or not and that such coverage extends to the age of 26.

[bunnies]

31. Yeah.

Ive been in this situation since November 2012. Kinda hard to do anything when you cant use your dominant arm. The bills Ive racked up being diagnosed are MASSIVE. 20 bucks a month for the rest of my life. I havent been able to get any aid or any treatment beyond the physical therapy my local hospital provided me for free. They also provide access to some doctors in their network. No orthos though, so Im still screwn. Maybe your hospital has something like that? I was able to get bloodwork from them also.

[DevonRex]

67. Go here:

http://www.hrsa.gov/gethealthcare/affordable/index.html

For anything that comes up until you get insurance. Start with the clinics. This is where anyone who doesn't have health insurance should go.

[bunnies]

77. Thanks!

Maybe one of them has an ortho.

[DevonRex]

93. They do make referrals to specialists. nt

[Wait Wut]

41. I haven't had insurance in 12 years.

I've had cancer (at 22), a heart attack (at 34), a stroke (44) and have a variety of current ailments that I'm sure would benefit from seeing a doctor. Unfortunately, because of the evil ACA I could never get insurance.

Oh, wait...it's the opposite. I'll be able to get insurance for less than the 50% of my paycheck that 'group' insurance tried to squeeze from me and they can't force me to sign a rider excluding me from coverage for everything but a cold.

Your situation is far from unique. Many of us are grateful that we'll finally be able to afford SOME kind of coverage. After waiting 12 years, I'm not looking forward to what any doctor has to say to me, but I'm hoping that someday in the not to distant future I'll be able to get out of bed in the morning and not want to cry because of the pain, or go to bed at nite without worrying that the twinge I'm feeling in my chest won't prevent me from waking up the next day.

[pnwmom]

47. I'm glad for you and millions of others just like you.

And I'm feeling a little more hopeful about my children's access to health care over the rest of their lives.

[Wait Wut]

54. Y'know...

...I never thought I'd make it. I may still not. But, what you said is why I support this. It's about the future. My son and his wife, any kids they may have, the kids I don't know. The families.

The ACA may not be perfect, but what an enormous step in the right direction. Over time, hopefully it will improve so that our grandkids never have to have this discussion.

I'm sick of hearing about sick children dying from curable diseases. I'm sick of hearing about young mothers dying and leaving young children behind. This is a start.

[pnwmom]

61. One of the best things has already happened.

A newborn in ICU can't use up his lifetime insurance benefits.

Can you imagine what those parents go through? I'm sure you can.

[Wait Wut]

75. I can try to imagine.

Thankfully, I've never had to go through it. What parents really want to do is worry about medical bills and insurance when they have a sick child. Hell, I freaked out when my son's brakes went out on his bike and he hit a light pole.

[Safetykitten]

62. I am talking about the NOW. RIGHT NOW. No options.

[Wait Wut]

79. Yeah. We all get it.

It's about you. I'm sorry you're going through this, but you've about worn out the compassion in anyone here.

Good luck to you. I suggest you take a deep breath and look into some of the very kind suggestions from DUers that you've yelled at.

[kestrel91316]

136. What are you, two years old??????

[kestrel91316]

167. I'm no kid. I'm 56. And I know better than to act like you have been in this thread.

[JoePhilly]

29. "You deserve it."

Apparently, wishing pain and suffering on other DU members is acceptable.

[JoePhilly]

50. In this thread, you have at least twice, wished suffering on others ...

in the OP, and in at least one response to some one specific, where you basically said something bad should happen to them PERSONALLY (you used all CAPS btw).

Its one thing to be angry about your situation, that's reasonable. Its is another to attack these other people, even a few who actually tried to reach out to you in more positive ways.

Apparently, other OPs on DU discussing some of the positive aspects of the ACA angered you. Fine. Respond to them. Or trash them.

You started a new thread just to attack other people, using both broad terms, and then specifically.

Ironically, the anecdotes the others tell about how the ACA has helped them, or some one they know, you very angrily dismiss.

And yet, you demand that your personal anecdote be the sole anecdote on which others should judge the entirety of the ACA.

I won't be surprised if your response to this includes some attack on me, or a hope that I too suffer in some way down the line. I sort of expect it. But then again, I've been down this road with you before.

Having said all this, and in all seriousness, I hope your health / medical situation works out.

[JoePhilly]

64. That's about what I expected.

I'm sure some of these other folks will be more than willing to participate with you in this little on-line therapy session.

You're angry, you need a release ... and plenty of folks will stumble in to this thread and provide targets for that anger.

Me, I've got plans tonight.

Again, best of luck.

[bluestate10]

53. You can get insured NOW if you are willing to pay for the insurance. If you hate the ACA so much

buy your insurance in the private market. If you don't already live in one, move to a red state where the governor and legislature protects insurance companies, oohhhh the rapture.

[Ms. Toad]

119. Actually - you generally cannot get insurance

EVEN if you are willing to pay through the roof.

There are only 5 states which have guaranteed issue - the remainder do not (or only offer it under very limited circumstances).

That is one of the main issues the ACA is intended to fix - the millions who cannot get insurance even if they are millionaires and could pay whatever the insurance company felt like charging.

[Ms. Toad]

30. You are not the only person in the nation -

And there was coverage available under the ACA pre-existing condition plans to fill the gap between the passage of the ACA and 1/1/2013 (likely far cheaper than COBRA), but unfortunately the funding set aside for these plans ran out and they shut off new enrollment a while ago.

In the mean time, if you do not need coverage for pre-existing conditions try short term insurance (here is one marketplace for them: http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/short-term-health-insurance ) It can tide you over between now and January. No physical required.

And - if you have not already spoken with the COBRA administrators to see if there is the possibility of reinstatement. I haven't looked at the law recently, so I don't know whethere there is any leeway or not.

And yes, I do deserve the ACA - which made it possible for my 26 year old daughter with expenses in the range of $60,000-$100,000/year who is unable to attend school full time to be a part time student without losing coverage, and which will give her access to health care once she turns 26 that she would not otherwise have.

Is it the option I wanted - no. I wanted single payer. None of your problems were caused by the ACA. COBRA is old law. The right to require a physical and deny coverage for pre-existing conditions is old law. Come January you will have access to a full service insurance plan which you seem to know you can't get now (under the pre-ACA rules which are in effect through 12/31/2013). That is a huge step forward. Not the be-all; end-all - but it will put access to health care in the hands of millions (like yourself) who are unfortunate enough to have had a medical condition more serious than a hang nail.

[Ms. Toad]

74. I provided an option between now and then.

The ACA isn't ideal, and I have always argued against implementing it in stages. I also argued for the gap policies - which were not included AT ALL in the initial bill.

You need to stop blaming the ACA for the pre-existing problems which it did not fix immediately. If the ACA had not passed you would not be eligible for coverage come January, and you would be in worse shape.

I don't know anyone who thinks the ACA was the ideal legislation. But it was better than what we had - which your very recent experience under the pre-ACA rules should tell you.

The last significant change in access to health care (after numerous failed attempts to accomplish any change) was implemented ~2000. ALL that change (HIPAA) did was to guarantee that if you lost your job you were still entitled to be issued a policy IF you had already been covered, IF you hadn't created a gap of more than 63 days and IF the job-related policy was good enough - but the insurance company could charge you whatever it wanted. No prior insurance? - tough noogies. A gap of 64 days? tough noogies. Can't afford it? tough noogies - and if your inability to afford it creates too long a gap, you have to start from ground zero to build up your right to be issued a policy.

This change guarantees access to everyone. It puts limits on what can be charged (by capping premiums relative to the expenditures - those refund checks people have been getting for a couple of years when their company charged too much). A gap in coverage does not mean you forfeit your right to be issued a policy. And those on the lower end of the income scale get free or reduced cost coverage.

Not perfect - we need a single payer system. But compared to what we have had - far better.

[Ms. Toad]

101. The link I provided

is to policies which are generally issued almost immediately regardless of health (I think HIV/AIDS is a disqualifier - but that is about it).

I used short term insurance for several years when no one would issue a regular policy to me. They do not cover pre-existing conditions - but at least they provide coverage for new conditions which might crop up in the next 3 months so that a major new illness will not land you on the street.

[Ms. Toad]

110. Nope. I have not purchased short term insurance recently

But a quick scan suggests they still work the same way - except that the limit is 6 months rather than a year or 18 months before you have to select a new carrier.

For a quicker response, you might want to go through an insurance agent, who will know which policies can be immediately issued. The applications I had to fill out had two health questions - smoking and HIV/AIDS. As long as the answer was "no" to both of those, the policy took effect as quickly as I could write the check. I haven't tried purchasing them online, since the online interface was not available the last time I needed them.

[Ms. Toad]

116. And you are looking at short term insurance -

It was the collection of short term policies I linked to, which are not based on your health. Not a regular policy. Some of these are offered by major insurers, but just because the company is the same doesn't mean your agent was looking at a short term policy. Did you try the website - or just recognize a name and assume it was the same as your agent was looking at?

You are extremely unlikely to be able to get a regular policy with pre-existing conditions, unless your state in one of the 5 with guaranteed issue. You seem to be lucky enough not to have encountered this reality before - but it is the reality most of us who have pre-existing conditions but are not covered through work have faced for years.

[Ms. Toad]

125. Stinks, doesn't it.

Is the gap such an issue because of predictable ongoing costly meds/care?

Not that I recommend anyone go without coverage, since shit happens. But most coverage offered in guaranteed issue states would have such high premiums, deductible, and co-pays that it would be cheaper for even very high routine costs to just pay out of pocket for 3 months.

My daughter (about the most expensive health care person I know) would rack up $3-5000 in that period, but premiums I've seen in guaranteed issue situations would run to around $4500 - so with co-pays and the deductible before coverage would kick in, even she she would be better off doing without. (And we'd get one of the short term policies to cover anything new which might crop up.)

[bluestate10]

49. You are blaming the ACA for you selecting a fucked up insurance company?

You are blaming the ACA for you not going to a clinic and paying for a blood workup out of your pocket? You claimed in post that you used to be able to get insurance, but it would cost you, here is an alert, you still can get insured if you are willing and can pay for it, go for it, shell out the money and say to hell with the ACA. The ACA HAS made a difference to millions of people and fucking will help even more starting with sign up in October.

[truedelphi]

84. That poster also seems unaware that COBRA is

The insurance of last resort for people who are unemployed. Quite expensive, (at least if you are in your fifties or older) and all that can be said for it is "At least now I am insured."

They seem to think you "Chose" it.

[Ms. Toad]

158. Unless you were more than 30 days late -

You may be in luck.

Employers are required to give you a 30 day grace period.

The plan can set premium due dates for successive periods of coverage (after your initial payment), but it must give you the option to make monthly payments, and it must give you a 30-day grace period for payment of any premium.

You should be aware that if you do not pay a premium by the first day of a period of coverage, but pay the premium within the grace period for that period of coverage, the plan has the option to cancel your coverage until payment is received and then reinstate the coverage retroactively back to the beginning of the period of coverage. Failure to make payment in full before the end of a grace period could cause you to lose all COBRA rights

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/cobraemployee.pdf

[Ms. Toad]

174. Ouch.

I was hoping that it had gotten there on the due date - then you would still have the 30 days grace period.

It may not help - but you could try appealing, in this order: to your plan administrator; to your former employer; to the department of labor.

[bluestate10]

91. No link required. If you have the money, you can get insured, you will just pay through the nose.

Call an insurance company. Pay. Your problem solved.

[kestrel91316]

138. Sorry, you'll need to do the keyboard work on this one, but here's your answer:

http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/individual-health-insurance

Not that I expect you to follow through.................

[liberalhistorian]

157. I wouldn't bother to try to explain that to her,

all she cares about is HERSELF. The millions who will benefit from the ACA mean nothing because SHE isn't benefiting right fucking NOW. Never mind that she wouldn't be able to get anything at all if it weren't for the ACA in the first fucking place.

[winter is coming]

57. The only thing I'll say is...

if you're used to having healthcare, not having it is pretty fucking scary at first. You feel as if the lack of insurance is a karmic target on your back and worry that every little thing could be The Start of Something Really, Really Bad. This feeling becomes less intense as time goes by. We've been without for a couple of years now, and it still sucks but it's not as overwhelmingly awful as when it first happened.

[Safetykitten]

59. You know, that is the nicest post I have ever gotten concerning the ACA. Really. No lie.

[winter is coming]

71. Perhaps because it's from someone who doesn't have a hope in hell of benefitting from it. n/t

[Safetykitten]

76. I am so sorry.

[winter is coming]

82. Back atcha. n/t

[Pretzel_Warrior]

80. what do you mean? you won't be eligible for any insurance under ACA?

[winter is coming]

85. Not eligible for Medicaid. Unlikely to be eligible for a subsidy, either.

Hoping we won't have to pay a fine.

[Safetykitten]

89. OMG, you come on here and argue and still do not get the basics..,

[Pretzel_Warrior]

103. no. I don't have the person's specific case so I am asking for clarification

it looks like they will get insurance offered, but they are unsure whether or not it will be affordable if they make enough not to qualify for subsidies.

[bunnies]

98. Yep.

Been about 12 years for me. Sadly, Im used to it now. *sigh*

[Safetykitten]

100. This is almost making me cry. You deserve better than this. Winter deserves better than this...

but we are in a situation where a effect of something was not figured out for you, or me or winter or anyone like us. We were sacrificed as the flotsam and the you know..."stuff" that happens when a President like Obama decides that expediency and "whatever" as long as he gets core groups...mommies and daddies, big business and insurance companies to do a deal.

We have no fucking idea how bad this thing will be, only the promises of the already insured.

[bunnies]

146. You deserve better too.

Its sucks to be suffering. Gawd does it suck. The people who have no idea are luckier than they know. With insurance, I could have had my surgery and been back to the job I loved. Instead I was forced into filing for disability. I think thats a thing a lot of people dont understand. Not having access to healthcare effects peoples lives in HUGE ways. I wish I could be working. I dont want to be "disabled".

And you know what else? Ill tell you how I need my elbow joint replaced at 40 years old. I broke it about 8 years ago, but didnt have it treated, due to a lack of insurance. I didnt even know I broke it until my arthritis was diagnosed. Now I have severe osteoarthritis and cant get that dealt with either. Its also resulted in severe tendinosis in my forearm tendons. Oh, and now my bicep is getting fucked up too. People just dont get it.

[Safetykitten]

159. I am so sorry for what you go through. Talking to people here about HC is like that line from...

Bull Durham...

is like a martian talking to a fungo...

[bunnies]

191. lol!

Youre right. It also kinda reminds me of that republican debate. Let em die and all that. It hurts more when it comes from "bleeding heart" liberals for some reason. I noticed you got at least one such response in this thread. Its disgusting. But hey... Im trying to look on the bright side. Now Im going to get one of those amazing fucking perks that come with being poor. Medicaid. Totally makes it worth it. Amirite? ugh.

[pnwmom]

96. If you are seriously concerned, and need care now, here's a link for you:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023663625

[LondonReign2]

109. Here'sa possibly helpful link

Sorry to hear it SK. I hope the you can stay healthy the next 4 fours months.

Obviously don't know what sort of medical needs you have right now, but here is a link to some potential discounts on prescriptions, plus free/low cost clinics, etc. http://www.needymeds.org/index.htm

[Trajan]

111. it is an interesting debacle

But, due to your asinine and sophomoric hostility, I've decided not to give a fuck about your problems ...

I don't like ACA so much (Single Payer is coming), but such a shitty attitude invites disregard and apathy to your plight ... and? .. now I don't fucking care ..

[kestrel91316]

140. + 1 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000

This poster is one of the worst I have ever seen on DU. Screaming effing 2 yo having a tantrum.

I've been over 6 years without medical insurance, and she wants people like me to continue to be priced out of the market.

[liberalhistorian]

118. So because YOU won't benefit

then that negates the positive effect of millions of others who WILL finally be able to get decent, affordable coverage? Right. Selfishly extrapolate much?

[liberalhistorian]

147. I certainly did not say you were the only one.

I am saying that it is ridiculous to take your own experience and slam the bill entirely, without taking into account the millions that it has and is helping greatly. I know plenty of people who are now able to actually get decent insurance that they can afford, for the very first time, and my doctor can tell many more such stories. NO bill is perfect. NO bill is going to make everyone happy all the time.

[kestrel91316]

121. I got priced out of medical insurance OVER 6 YEARS AGO. So I am

THRILLED that the opportunity is coming very soon for me to get affordable coverage.

If you want the status quo, then what I have to say to you would get me banned so I won't say it.

[kestrel91316]

141. My situation was already happening. And it's going to improve. But I totally get how you want MY

situation to not improve because it's all about you.

[REP]

139. I had cancer with no insurance and no money

Instead of raging at strangers on the Internet as though I were on the tail end of a three-day bender, I decided I'd rather not die and instead put my energy into finding out how to get it taken care of. I wasn't eligible for Medicare/Medicaid, so I had to find another way to get treated. And you know what? I did.

Is the ACA perfect? No. Is it better than what there was before? Fuck yes. Will I benefit from it? No, because I've fought like hell for the past decade to keep my insurance. I'm on an extremely tight fixed income, so I'll pass on a handy tip for bills that cannot be late: schedule them to be paid as early as possible, so if there's a problem, there's time to fix it.

[Kolesar]

183. My brother used "foundation funds" to pay for his shoulder reconstruction when he was disabled

I'm glad to hear you are "hanging in there".

[name not needed]

144. It's a real shame you were dropped by your insurer

Because based on this thread you could really benefit from anti-psychotic meds.

[Nye Bevan]

150. Your current predicament is a great advertisement for the ACA.

Because of the ACA, starting on Jan 1 nobody will ever again be in your current predicament. Yes, it sucks right now, but in a little over 3 months you are guaranteed to be able to obtain affordable, high quality coverage.

In the meantime, if you need medical services, I would suggest that you explain your situation to the providers ahead of time and ask them to cut you a break. I think you will get a sympathetc ear and probably a considerable discount. But don't be abrasive, and don't bounce any checks you give them.

[Nye Bevan]

176. Well, better than "shut up", and no use of profanity.

I think I do detect a very slight improvement in your demeanor since the beginning of this thread.

[Kolesar]

181. It's always uplifting to talk things out with friends!

[hedgehog]

185. I have a son and daughter who are now on Medicaid due to being unemployed/underemployed.

He might lose his Medicaid when he starts work in October, we're not sure let. But, he'll be able to buy insurance starting January 1. He'll have to stay healthy between now and then, but at least come January 1 he'll be OK. I for one am glad about the ACA!

I have to say, I've never seen such a hostile OP and thread go on this long!

[hedgehog]

187. Has anyone claimed that it's a good thing that the ACA doesn't kick in until January?

Of course I'd prefer it to be in effect yesterday, who wouldn't? Even Social Security had a start date!