Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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[US] What am I supposed to do for insurance? (self.Blind)
submitted by blazblu82
I lost my job last month and the private insurance I had ended yesterday. I am no uninsured. I do not qualify for state aid (probably due to amount of money in bank) and marketplace plans are too expensive. Medicaid wasn't offered when I finished marketplace questionnaire and the premiums for the offered plans are too
I'll be getting on a grant plan through my diabetes clinic. However, I won't be able to afford to see my eye specialist for my retinopathy (especially the treatments).
Because of the way my eyes are, I doubt I'll be working any time soon and I doubt I'll get unemployment. I've already filed for disability and they are on the medical review portion. Hopefully, I'll be on it later this year.
I've never been in this position before. What do I do?
I'll be getting on a grant plan through my diabetes clinic. However, I won't be able to afford to see my eye specialist for my retinopathy (especially the treatments).
Because of the way my eyes are, I doubt I'll be working any time soon and I doubt I'll get unemployment. I've already filed for disability and they are on the medical review portion. Hopefully, I'll be on it later this year.
I've never been in this position before. What do I do?
tasareinspace 7 points 1y ago
Have you talked to your social worker at your states department for the blind/disabled?
blazblu82 [OP] 4 points 1y ago
No, not yet. I've got a lot going on right now and I'm doing what I can.
B-dub31 5 points 1y ago
If you have worked in the past you might qualify for SSDI, which doesn't have the strict income and asset restrictions like SSI.
You might consider spending down some of your money in the bank to below the Medicaid limits. That could be an option for you.
You might consider spending down some of your money in the bank to below the Medicaid limits. That could be an option for you.
blazblu82 [OP] 3 points 1y ago
I'm working on that. However, I've heard it takes 2 years after approval for Medicare to kick in. I need something now that won't cost 400 to 600 per month.
B-dub31 4 points 1y ago
Would you not qualify for a marketplace plan with a highly subsidized premium? I suggest going to your local social services office and seeing a case worker. They were very helpful after I got sick and lost my coverage.
blazblu82 [OP] 3 points 1y ago
I checked them out, too. I figured I would qualify for Medicaid instead. However, my results ended up having plans with 400 to 600 dollar monthly premiums.
B-dub31 3 points 1y ago
It is so confusing trying to navigate the system. I would definitely try getting help in person because you should qualify for subsidies based on your income reduction.
achromatic_03 2 points 1y ago
2 years? Why?
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
That's what I was lead to believe from SSDI's website. It can take up to 2 years to get approval then another 2 years afterwards to get Medicare. I'm uncertain of the reasoning, though. I am applying for regular SSDI, though. My info was based on blind SSDI.
vip-sizzles 2 points 1y ago
From my understanding, the 24 month waiting period for Medicare starts from the first month of SSDI payment. Often this will be the month you first file as SSA generally back date the payments into a lump sum when an approval of benefits is made. So if it does take 2 years for approval, then you should also be eligible for Medicare at the same time.
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