Health Insurance/Swollen Eye Vent About This Page:

[karyntay07]

So I woke up this morning with a very swollen and very sore left eye. I went to the pharmacist who told me it was an infection and nothing over-the-counter would help. I had this before, about 6 years ago, and the infection eventually spread to half my face because the first doctor I saw said there was nothing wrong . The second doctor, an opthamologist, said I should sue the first doctor for being ignorant, which I obviously didn't do.....Anyway back to today. Now this wouldn't be an issue if my insurance didn't get dropped last week. I was supposed to remain on my mother's insurance until next August - her company changed insurance in September and I was kicked off last week! Leaving me with no insurance - in a state where having no insurance is illegal.....so what do I do now?! Grrrrrrrrr.....thanks for letting me vent....I'm off to try and figure out how to fix this silly eye.

[chezp]

I have no words of advice, just

[HiddenMickey]

Can you call the previous eye doctor's office and tell them you are having the same symptons as last time ask them to call in a prescription? You can even tell them about your insurance woes...as to why you don't want to make an appt, if you want.

Good luck!

I have some eye antibotics left over from my DD's eye this summer.....wish I could send them to you!

[jimmymac]

[Colexis Mom]

[Huntermom]

Go to the doctor's and pay out of pocket. Your visiion is too important to risk. If you tell the doctor you have no insurance, they may be willing to work with you, especially if you've been a patient for some time. An office visit shouldn't be that expensive. A hospitalzation if it gets out of control, will be.

You could also go to the ER and apply for charity funds if you can truly not afford a doctor's visit.

I notice you are in Boston. You can also call some of the teaching hospitals, tell then your situation and ask if they have clinics.

You look young and otherwise healthy. Buying into a plan shouldn't be too expensive.

Please take care of your vision.

Diane

[Jookiba]

I didn't know it was "illegal" to not have medical insurance in some states. For those families who just can't afford the premiums, who exactly is paying for it? The state legislatures??!!

[disneybecky]

[Teresa]

Can't believe there are places that require insurance! Does the insurance co. get in trouble for dropping you? Or, is it YOU that it falls on.

If you have a CVS, they have what I call "Nurse in a box" - cheaper and easier than a Dr.
Good luck, and take care of your eye - that's something you really shouldn't mess around with.

[Huntermom]

I am not from Massachusetts, but I do not believe it is "illegal" not to have insurance. Illegal implies it is a crime.

Massachusetts has mandatory health insurance and has developed programs that one can buy into if they do not have it available through employmentThe state has a website that outlines the options available. There is a tax penalty if you do not have insurance.

Diane

[rescuesk]

[lukeandbrookesmom]

We had a Health Insurance Reform Act here in MA that went into effective this year. We are required to have health insurance either on our own or through our employer. As an HR Manager it is a lot of paperwork filing for an employer to prove they offer the required policies based on company size. If you do not have, or cannot afford insurance through your employer than you need to purchase it on your own. The state offers eleven options at various price levels. If you cannot afford your employer plan or any of the eleven plans you apply for the state assistance plan. That plan is based on a sliding income scale. If you do not have a plan when you file your state tax forms (proof is required on a new tax form) than you are penalized what the cost of the plan you can afford would be. Each year without a plan the penalty increases. Last I heard, 97% of MA residents had health insurance and the health care costs in the state have decreased dramatically.

[lukeandbrookesmom]

Originally Posted by karyntay07

So I woke up this morning with a very swollen and very sore left eye. I went to the pharmacist who told me it was an infection and nothing over-the-counter would help. I had this before, about 6 years ago, and the infection eventually spread to half my face because the first doctor I saw said there was nothing wrong . The second doctor, an opthamologist, said I should sue the first doctor for being ignorant, which I obviously didn't do.....Anyway back to today. Now this wouldn't be an issue if my insurance didn't get dropped last week. I was supposed to remain on my mother's insurance until next August - her company changed insurance in September and I was kicked off last week! Leaving me with no insurance - in a state where having no insurance is illegal.....so what do I do now?! Grrrrrrrrr.....thanks for letting me vent....I'm off to try and figure out how to fix this silly eye.

Karyn - I would contact the carrier that canceled your coverage. They are obligated to send you COBRA info for you to continue coverage for 18 months at the group rate, effective the date the plan was canceled. They also need a reason to cancel you on the plan. Not sure of your situation, but most plans here in MA will cover a dependent that is a FT student up to the age of 21, some 25. If you can get on COBRA you would be reimbursed for any bills from the date of cancellation to the date you sign up for it.

I hope you get this all straightened out!

[Nala]

for your eye.

I too, was wondering why you were not offered COBRA.

[guitardiva]

Originally Posted by Jookiba

I didn't know it was "illegal" to not have medical insurance in some states. For those families who just can't afford the premiums, who exactly is paying for it? The state legislatures??!!

I was thinking this also. mm?
I feel for you . No med insurance is a rough ..