News, Many jobless forgo extending health benefits. (employee, 2009, secretary)

[John1960]

Michiganders who lose jobs often can't afford to buy temporary policies that extend workplace health benefits because the cost eats up nearly all of their monthly unemployment checks, a report released Friday concludes.

Many jobless forgo extending health benefits | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

[mpyne]

Originally Posted by John1960

Michiganders who lose jobs often can't afford to buy temporary policies that extend workplace health benefits because the cost eats up nearly all of their monthly unemployment checks, a report released Friday concludes.

Many jobless forgo extending health benefits | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Lol I havent had health benefits since 2006

[runrgirl]

When I was between jobs they sent me the cobra thing and it would have been 700$ per month so I had no choice but to NOT have health insurance until the new insurance kicked in. There is no way I could afford that.

[gardener34]

yeah - with this many layoffs - it is a looming crisis. And I have a feeling a permanent crisis as most corps now are going to try and minimize their permanent employee base and only do contracts and temporaries so they don't have to keep them on the books or pay benefits. SERIOUS nationwide issues with healthcare ahead!!

[graceC]

That COBRA thing is highway robbery. It would've cost me close to $1000 a month just to cover myself and my husband. Who has that kind of money when one is out of work anyway?

I found out that you can negotiate your fee when you go to a doctor & tell her/him up front you don't have insurance. I also just found out yesterday that you can go to a federally funded health center if you're sick and don't have money to pay for the costs. Check this out:

HRSA - Find a Health Center - Search by Address, City, ZIP, or State

[tabbcat]

I anticipate that it's different per doctor, but yeah... when I got laid off in Michigan, I told the secretary/admin that I had lost my insurance. They didn't charge me a cent and even gave me extras (i.e. a B12 shot) at no expense. People can be kind

[GypsySoul22]

I have been on and off w/out benefits for years. When I worked as a preschool teacher I could not afford to make $6.50 an hour plus fork money to medical. My husband's job is now at a hospital so we have good medical but I still don't abuse it.

Common sense goes far in keeping healthy. Put out the cigarette, skip the alcohol and exercise.

And before I hear it...I don't smoke or drink or do drugs and YES I exercise 6 times a week.

The sad part is our country pump so much $$$ into countries around the world and many of our citizens do not have medical. Charity should begin at home.

[Synopsis]

Cobra is a joke. It's useless unless you have tons of money socked away. "IF" I were receiving unemployment, it would take almost half of that to keep insurance. It's a no-brainer; you have to take your chances and go it alone.

[ReturningWest]

I'm in the unemployed and uninsured boat...not enough $$$ to pay for the rip off Cobra and due to my age and pre-existing conditions I can't qualify for any other insurance.

[jmking]

Originally Posted by ReturningWest

I'm in the unemployed and uninsured boat...not enough $$$ to pay for the rip off Cobra and due to my age and pre-existing conditions I can't qualify for any other insurance.

The pre-existing condition clause is a crime. If I was to lose my job my Cobra would cost me $2000 per-month. My wife is disabled and with her condition there can never be a lapse in coverage otherwise we stand to lose everything.