Losing Medicaid and can’t afford health insurance. What do I do? (Cross posted)
The age old question. Thanks for reading.
30 year old female here in NY state, with chronic mental and physical health problems, none of which qualify me for disability because I’m not disabled ENOUGH even though keeping my head above water is difficult.
Anyways, I work full time, live alone, and Im financially independent. I wasn’t able to complete a college degree because of aforementioned chronic health issues. Therefore, I’m not qualified (currently) for a job that can make me much more than $30,000/year. Previously I qualified for Medicaid which is where my journey begins.
Over the years Medicaid has saved my life through multiple ER visits, hospitalizations, affordable medications, specialist visits, dental emergencies etc. Yay for being poor. However, I finally got a job that makes me $35,000/year. I know. Gettin rich over here. I still have bills to pay, car insurance, rent, utilities, gas, food and all the other already overpriced commodities that I need to just survive. I already budget, don’t often eat out, don’t spend money on alcohol, weed or cigarettes (not shaming these things by any means,) don’t go out often in general and only luxury expenses are my cat and hamster. The State of New York feels I now making WAY too much money to qualify for affordable health insurance.
I will not get too into the details of the 5 or so new plans that are available to me but I am in the state of NY, am qualified for plans on the silver level and receive a tax credit of $482. However the plans are total bullshit. I’m not gonna reach a deductible of 8 grand unless I get in a serious accident. So I’m basically just paying $100+ a month in case I do, plus paying out of pocket for all my other services. I know I’m preaching to the choir here. But this is the part I can’t afford obviously.
My current Medicaid runs out of the end of the month. Long story short- what do I do? I can’t make it without health insurance or regular doctor visits and medications. Can I appeal my decision? Will Medicaid help me? Loopholes?
Please serious answers only. I am well aware of the option to “just don’t get sick or get in an accident!” And that “you’re screwed” and trust me I love to rant about US Healthcare just as much as the next but I really just need potential solutions, if any.
Tl;dr I no longer qualify for Medicaid and can’t afford new health insurance. What do I do? (NY)
Thank you and stay safe out there folks 🙏✌️
