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How can I afford COBRA insurance on disability wages?

I recently lost my job due to complications of a disability. Now I'm stuck and I don't understand how any of this is supposed to work... tell me if this seems wrong to you. 1. COBRA insurance will cost me $334.21 per month. I cannot afford this. 2. If I try to get private health insurance, I am denied due to a preexisting medical condition. 3. I cannot get insurance through an employer because I cannot work due to a disability. 4. I cannot visit my doctor to extend my disability because I do not have insurance. What... the F.... am I supposed to do?

Public Comments

1. Uggg! You're in a hard situation! If there's any way at all that you can manage to pay for COBRA, even just for long enough for your doctor to fill out the disability paperwork- DO! Otherwise, I don't know what to tell you. I believe they're changing the laws about insurance companies denying coverage for preexisting conditions. You can also apply for medicaid and social security disability- but these government programs are a pain to apply for, and slow to get. If you have family to help you in the short term, that would be really good- because 'the system' isn't really working for you right now. Good luck!
2. Unfortunately this is exactly how it is set up. In fact not to be rude but you should be grateful you have disability insurance, many people don't even have that. In terms of what you can do though to help you through this. I can only make a few suggestions: 1) go through your budget and cut out anything that is superfluous or that you can try to get for free, i.e. things like cable television, the internet, all subscriptions, etc. 2) you can sign up for the library and get most books, magazines and even internet access there -- you can even get free books at www.paperbackswap.com. 3) apply for food stamps and any other government or charitable assistance that you are eligible for. By getting food stamps you are freeing up at least $300 dollars from your food budget. Start clipping coupons, looking up all the specials, etc. 4) start going through all your "stuff" and have a large yard sale of everything you no longer need. 5) make sure that you keep your health insurance or see if you can get medicaid. 6) Check with your local hospital or other clinic to see if you can talk with a licensed social worker who will be able to provide you with access to more programs that you might be eligible for. 7) Don't lose hope -- it is the only thing that will get you through this. I hope you can use some of this information. I will keep you in my prayers and wish you good luck
3. Even if you find private health insurance that will not deny you, it will cost more than $334.21. Because of your disability and lack of a job or money, you might qualify for medicaid, free health insurance from the government. Try that option first. If not, you can visit your doctor without insurance, the same way as you can visit the barber, the grocery store, and anywhere else without insurance: You pay, in full, yourself.
4. Private health insurance will cost you a whole lot more than Cobra! >"I cannot visit my doctor to extend my disability because I do not have insurance." Disability? Was this a result of your previous job, work related? The disability company is supposed pay medical bills related to a work related injury? Something doesn't sound right with your whole scenario! I think you left out some other details? Like why were you put on disability to begin with? I'd suggest you get a consultation with an attorney!
5. I'm actually shocked that COBRA will cost you so little. The average, is closer to $450 for one person. You can buy a hipaa policy, but it's going to cost a hell of a lot more than $335 a month. Cobra really IS the least expensive option. Not having any idea what your disability wages are, and the extent of your disability, the Cobra payment has to come FIRST. That means, selling your house, getting a cheaper apartment, selling your car if it's not paid for, etc. You CAN visit a doctor, for a heck of a lot LESS than $335. Your problem is an INCOME problem. Disabled people find a way to make income, all the time. I think you need to cut back on your lifestyle, and find a way to make some income. If your point is, you should be entitled to slave labor from the doctor to work for free . . . no, you're not. Nothing ELSE is free, why should insurance be free? Why should medical care be free? If you believe that, then you'll go to school, learn to be a doctor, and provide free care. You can do that, even if you're "disabled".
6. You can visit the doctor you will just have to pay out of pocket for the visit. You apply for Medicaid and see if you qualify.