I'm looking for suggestions of companies that others have had luck with: I've been out of work since September 2008. My husband just got laid off so we lost our insurance coverage through his job.

COBRA would cost us $846/mo which is almost more than I get MONTHLY in unemployment.

The unemployment rate where I live is at 7.3% right now, so the chances of DH getting a job quickly are pretty slim.

I'm overweight (past morbidly obese on the BMI scale) though I'm steadily losing. I've got high blood pressure and need to take medication for it. I JUST started being treated for my PCOS so I've got that on my medical record.

What do I do? I've been denied Medicaid (obviously) because I'm not pregnant, don't have kids, not on disability and am under 65.

Has any one had or know of success with any specific companies?

My state does offer a state backed sort of healthcare coverage - BUT they won't let you on it unless you've been 6mo without insurance.

The health care system in our country is SO beyond messed up it's not even funny.

Sorry for the ranting, but I'm looking for some sort of guidance or suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

    

Have you found an insurance company yet? I am in a similar position but with no COBRA options. My husband is self employed and even though my company offered me health insurance this year, my premiums would cost almost as much as I make---literally.

My mom lost her medical insurance when my dad had to retire due to disability. She was able to find a resonalbe insurance by going through a local insurance agent. The coverage is not as good as she had but it is not too bad either. That being said the cost is going to really depend on the amount of coverage you need and your health situation. Fortunately, my mom is fairly healthy and is not on alot of medications or anything like that. If you are in a temporary situation you may consider going with less coverage than you previously had to help keep costs lower. Also talk to your doctor about changing med, looking into clinic and health fairs for some of your lab work and tests. My mom has high cholesteral and she uses the local health fairs to get discounted lab work done as well as a clinic for getting a mamogram. Hope that helps and you find something soon.

When you are healthy, it is easier to get health insurance. If you have a pre-existing condition or suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis or something like PCOS, you are going to have a rough time getting private insurance. If you are able to get health insurance on your own, you are lucky. And if you are lucky enough to get it, you will probably pay a pretty penny for the premiums. It is almost like you are being penalized for getting sick-at least that is how I see it.

You brought up some great ideas jhall and some of them I have begun looking into. Thank you very much for your insight.

I remember going through this and was denied by private places too. Here's a few things I found. For the dentist, go through a discount program. There are several found on the web. For medical, use free clinics. I was also able to find this financial aid program through the University's hospital that is essentially a discount program. You don't pay for the program but do pay low copays at visits.