Looking to start over in Indiana. (Indianapolis, South Bend: for sale, health insurance, loans)

[bluebelt1234]

I have found out that my contract for next year isn't going to be renewed. I moved out of Indiana to Arizona for purpose of finding a teaching job. Teachers here in Arizona are being laid off like crazy. Schools here in Arizona are suffering so much that they are no longer hiring subs. I am thinking about just coming back to Indiana and starting over. I need to be closer to my family to get through this difficult time.

I don't think that my heart is still in teaching so I am thinking about going back to school for nursing, respiratory therapy, or radiation therapy. I definitely need more stability. What is the job market like in Indiana in these three fields?

How hard is it for a person with a preexisting condition to obtain health insurance in Indiana? I have asthma and my medications will run me around 1000 dollars per month without health insurance. Although in Indiana I will likely be able to reduce my asthma medications after I have lived here for awhile as long as I can receive proper medical care.

Since I am being let go I think I should also ask about unemployment benefits. Can you get unemployment in Indiana if you have been laid off in another state? Does anyone know who I would talk to about this matter?

How easy is it to receive financial aid at schools like Ivy Tech? I am an IU grad. Are grants offered or will I have to get loans. Does anyone know what this process is like?

[rrah]

Any unemployment benefits would come from the state in which you were employed I believe. Indiana didn't ever take out any unemployment taxes on you and owes you nothing. Indiana employers are taxed for unemployment benefits for Indiana employees.

Sorry to hear about the job lose. I would look for the silver lining here. In many of your posts you've expressed your dislike of AZ and your job there. Silver lining, silver lining, silver lining.

Ivy Tech can answer your questions regarding financial aid.

[ShadowCaver]

Good luck to ya... curious tho', any specific areas/cities of IN you are interested?

[Future Trooper]

If you are interested in around the Indianapolis area just let me know. I can help

[Katisu]

As far as insurance goes, are you talking about employer-based health insurance? I've never had a full-time job's insurance ask about pre-existing conditions. Also, if you're going back to school, there's a good chance you can get insurance through the school. I don't think they asked many questions, either.

Where are you from in Indiana and where are you planning to move?

[squirrelwoman]

You might want to look into AmeriCorps, they just received a large budget boost and will likely be expanding their programs. I belonged to an americorps program in Elkhart, IN. The living stipend is lousy, BUT the insurance is amazing and I don't recall being asked about any pre-existing health conditions. I had a thyroid problem and they covered my treatments and medications, so my guess is they would cover your asthma. There was no monthly amound taken out of our checks for the insurance and the copay was only 15$ for doctor visits and 7$ for medications. Another bonus is the education award grant you receive which you can put toward your future educational expenses. Often times low cost housing is provided, depending on the program. The programs vary in focus from disaster relief, education, assistance to elderly (which might be great if your thinking about nursing), environmental restoration and education and many other subjects I'm sure I've forgotten.

Their website: AmeriCorps should help you find programs in Indiana or elsewhere, let you know when they're hiring and steps to go through to apply. The program I was in couldn't FIND enough people to fill the positions, but other programs may be more cometitive, though I doubt it.

Anyway, it might be a good way to get to Indiana and get on your feet financially before tackling school. It should put you in a good state to receive financial aid as well. In terms of schools, Indiana University and Purdue are the big ones. The sattelite campuses are easier to get into. Indiana University South Bend has a good nursing program and if I recal, they just built a huge building in conjuction with Notre Dame for nursing and health education. Indiana University South Bend would have more info about their programs. South Bend seems like it would be a good place for health care proffesionals because it has Memorial Hospital (a HUGE hospital) and St. Joe Hospital. The cost of living is relatively low, housing is cheaper than many comparatively sized cities. Some of the schools aren't great though. I lived in South Bend and went to IUSB, so I might be a tad biased, but at least I'm speaking from experience (^_^)

Hope this helps!
Squirrel Woman

[smurdy101]

Hi Bluebelt1234, and I am going to answer your last question first. I moved here from out West 3.5 years ago and found it very easy to get into Ivy Tech. My neighbor is a teacher and he retired last year and his wife is about to retire the way she talks. As far as south central Indiana goes the area between Colombus and Bloomington is about as good as it gets here. I have my house for sale and can't wait to get back out West! Good luck with your search.