medical insurance to cover upcoming birth (Hilo: low income, fit in, health insurance)

[SOPHIEMT]

Hello, I am moving to Hilo with my husband. I am myself unemployed and would appreciate any info on medical coverage for someone like myself to cover the cost of the pregnancy as we currently do not have any medical insurance. I have heard of medi-Quest but don't know if I qualify as before the birth of the child, I will have lived there for only several months. Does anyone know of any other options available?

[whtviper1]

I think medi-quest is for low income families only but if you qualify than I believe you can get insurance even if pregnant.

Some out of the box solutions might be:

Take a break from being self-employed - and see if you can get a position Hawaii employer that has you working more than 20 hours a week. You'll be eligible for insurance in 2 months per Hawaii law.

Or - is your husband currently working? Check when his open enrollement is (perhaps this fall) and get on his insurance.

[FallenIntoGreatness]

Originally Posted by SOPHIEMT

I am myself unemployed and would appreciate any info on medical coverage for someone like myself to cover the cost of the pregnancy as we currently do not have any medical insurance.

She is UNemployed not SELFemployed, I'm sure if she could get a job with benefits she would.

I don't think state medicaid has a residency requirement as in length of time here, if you can prove you are a resident of the state of Hawaii you can apply. It may take them a while to process your application so you should get that ball rolling asap. Your only requirement is being pregnant, Department of Human Services Med Quest Division

Good luck!

[Joliefille]

Most private insurance companies would consider this a pre-existing condition. Best wishes and be sure to vote for Obamacare!

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by FallenIntoGreatness

She is UNemployed not SELFemployed, I'm sure if she could get a job with benefits she would.

Oops - could have sworn it said self.

[Luv2byte]

In Hawaii trybKaiser, they have some self pay ins plans.

[SOPHIEMT]

Thanks all for the feedback! Do appreciate it.
WHTVPR1 - yes, I am unemployed. And I do fit in the bracket of low income so I'll check into medi-Quest further by calling their office.
FallenIntoGreatness - Yes, my question on how does one fill the residency requirement if I'm moving there only several months in advance.
My husband has a lot of relatives living on the Big Island so we will have a house to live in initially.
Lv2byte - Is there a website that covers self-pay in plans?

[Nalu]

There aren't a lot of options for health insurance in Hawaii. We are self employed, so I've become a sort of expert in it. Kaiser does not cover maternity services. Your best bet is Quest, and with it you pay will NOTHING for the birth. They have an expedited and loosened rules/regs for pregnant women. We went through a hard time a while back and had to get Quest for a period of time, and after being self employed and buying my own insurance for years. I was amazed at how comprehensive the Quest insurance was. It truly was better than any insurance plan I could purchase on my own. I'm no expert, but I think I remember something like 30 days residencey?

[SOPHIEMT]

Nalu, thanks and yes, it seems like I will qualify for Quest based on what you laid out. Tks very much.