I Try to Look on the Bright Side But….
Aug 25 2011 in Jane's Blog by Jane
I just feel like I can’t catch a break no matter how hard I try. I called AARP this morning because Rick turns 50 next week and I know that they offer insurance at a discounted rate for their members. I spoke with three different people. I was initially told they use United Healthcare but the second lady said it was Aetna so the third person asked me questions such as is anybody being treated for a chronic or other illness which requires medication etc. and I said my daughter was. He can’t say anything because they can’t deny her medical coverage based on her previous medical conditions. He asked me questions about my health history. I thought it was best to tell him about carcinoma-in-situ but once I did he said I wouldn’t qualify for the insurance. See what I get for being honest. He told me they would have found out as they go back 5 years. It doesn’t matter if I have no issues, take no medicine etc. I think the American Cancer Society made it Stage O so the insurance companies could turn more people down because God forbid the insurance companies don’t make their millions of dollars.
Does anybody know where/how to go about finding private insurance? It looks like I will have a hard time getting it because of my non-invasive cancer issue.
I’m sorry I seem to be writing so much lately… maybe I should shut up a little bit more.
Chet Bailey said on August 25, 2011
Hi Jane,
Frist, no, don’t shut up. It is good that you are writing and venting here. Even though I haven’t had the time to comment, I have been following what and evenone else has been writing. I really feel for you and what you are going through. I’ve been there recently myself. My wife and I are working on some things to bring awareness and hopefully be able to help others going through these situations. It has been tough weeding through everything, but your story gives me inspiration to not give up and keep going with what we are working to do.
The fact that AARP overlooks the terrible way United Healthcare treats its policy holders is one of the major problems I have with AARP as an organization that is supposed to be an advocate for its members. My employer changed insurance providers about every two years, so we I have dealt with several different insurance companies and United Healthcare was by far the worst.
It is hard but you are moving forward and working through the troubles. You are doing a great job! Don’t give up and keep posting.
Jane said on August 26, 2011
Chet:
Thank you so much. I feel like I take up way to much space here. I’m flattered that our story or I am inspiring.
I don’t have any issues with United Healthcare. I was told by the first/second person I spoke with at AARP that it was United but the second person then forwarded me to Aetna. We have had United Health Care for Nicole’s whole life and I don’t have a problem with them but believe it was either them or Rick’s former employer that used Nicole’s illness as a way to lay him off. We currently have Aetna for our prescription drug company. I agree with you about AARP and I told the guy so but would have said a whole lot more it if hadn’t taken me aback so much.
While I am glad that the President implemented that minors can’t be denied insurance based on pre-existing conditions. I believe instead of making sure every one has health insurance by force it would be better served to make it so the insurance companies and the pharmaceutical companies aren’t making millions of dollars at the expense of people and take the profit out of the business. I know that this will never happen but nothing will change and chronically ill people will still fall through the cracks.
Sharon said on August 25, 2011
Jane, I wonder if your state might have some form of insurance you can buy? In WI where I live there is something called HIRSP which is a high risk insurance for those who have a previous medical condition and can’t get insurance anywhere else. I have a breast cancer history, and I can’t get insurance anywhere else. Premiums are not cheap and there is a good size deductable, but I at least have insurance.
Also in WI there is something called Badger Care for those with dependent children, but it covers the whole family. That is quite reasonable.
Again this is in WI, but maybe your state has some kind of program also.
Jane said on August 26, 2011
Hi Sharon:
It is my understanding that we do have a program like this but you have to be uninsured for six months prior to applying. I could be wrong.
My number one goal is getting insurance for Nicole and then I will worry about myself and Rick. Caring Voice is suppose to be working on this but I don’t like not being in control.
I don’t know why the American Cancer Society had to make carcinoma-in-situ Stage O cancer. I’m sure they did it for the insurance companies to save money.
It is unfortunate when people, like myself, have to choose between paying the mortgage and paying insurance premiums.
Hugs:o)
Jane