medical care after absence policy runs out

[thursday]

hi!
So i'm at the point of being kicked off of my medical benefit plan because my leave of absence time is running out. This is all despite the fact that I am out on a work related injury and the case is not closed yet. My question here is, what's next? I really would like to continue to be covered for general medical care and i'm just barely scraping by as it is. Would medicare or medicaid be what I am looking for? If yes, then how do those work? If no, what state program might be able to help? (I'm in CA)
thanks guys!!

[Jo*mar]

Do you have a comp atty? He/she should have answers about that situation.
I had a similar thing happen, but was able to move onto husbands health policy with no problem.

Is your w/c claim accepted so far, or was it denied?

[thursday]

thanks jo!
comp accepted. no atty cos there's not enough $$ to tempt one. i was able to continue to pay for my benefits (med, dental, vision) thru my work's leave of absense policy- but that alotted time is running out. While I will still be covered for care that pretains to my work injury, all other care will be uninsured.
I'm thinking that I would have to apply for SDI and then get Medicare....?

anyone with experience in that process?

[Jo*mar]

You might copy or link this to a new thread on our Social Security Disability forum http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

to get more info
oh and check thru the sticky threads on both forums too

[bebop]

if you are on workmans comp your company should have to pay your insurance until either you return to work or you settle with wc. I went thru that a couple of years ago. btw get an attorney. they will fight to get you whatever you need. I was foolish and didn't get one til the end.

[tciboski]

hi!
So i'm at the point of being kicked off of my medical benefit plan because my leave of absence time is running out. This is all despite the fact that I am out on a work related injury and the case is not closed yet. My question here is, what's next? I really would like to continue to be covered for general medical care and i'm just barely scraping by as it is. Would medicare or medicaid be what I am looking for? If yes, then how do those work? If no, what state program might be able to help? (I'm in CA)
thanks guys!!

I am in Illinois and in the same boat as yourself. I got hurt at work. They denied my work comp claim. I contacted my boss and human resources for info. The first two weeks off, I had to use my own vacation time, then I got Family Medical Leave Act for 12 weeks. Then I got the letter that my job was being filled (after 12wks). There may be short term disability, then long term disability. I had to have my surgeon fill out a lot of disability papers for me to get this. They (my employer) made me apply for Social Security Disability through the state office/fedral program. Google "Social Security Administration". Sorry, they wont let me post links. If you have been out of work at least 5-6 months, start this process promptly because it takes a very long time. Also, be prepared for a lot of paperwork and jumping through hoops. This application process can be started online. Your company has to let you COBRA or pay for your own insurance at a higher rate for a year after you lose your job. Each state has their own types of insurance (medicaid, medicare, and sometimes based on income other types of insurance/mostly for children). Contact "California Department of Social Services" or others. I just went and Googled "human services in California" and there are several sites listed to help. Again, can't post links yet. Hope you have a lawyer. Good luck.

[thursday]

Thank you so much tci :) Without having read your post, I did find the Human Services Department in CA and I am waiting to hear if I am qualified for Medi-Cal. If not, here in San Francisco, we do have a local option too called Healthy Families. I'm on my way!!!

Interesting that your employer had you apply for SDI.... wish my employer cared enough to make sure I was headed in the right direction. Instead, its like I am treading in quicksand of unknowns. Also- how long were you on LTD before you went to SDI if you don't mind my asking? (Am I right in thinking one cannot be receiving both at the same time?)

[johannakat]

Thank you so much tci :) Without having read your post, I did find the Human Services Department in CA and I am waiting to hear if I am qualified for Medi-Cal. If not, here in San Francisco, we do have a local option too called Healthy Families. I'm on my way!!!

Interesting that your employer had you apply for SDI.... wish my employer cared enough to make sure I was headed in the right direction. Instead, its like I am treading in quicksand of unknowns. Also- how long were you on LTD before you went to SDI if you don't mind my asking? (Am I right in thinking one cannot be receiving both at the same time?)

my LTD co requires me to apply for SDI if I have been out for 1 year or longer, and if i don't but they think i qualify for it, they deduct what i would get from SDI out of my disability payment.

[Jo*mar]

[QUOTE=tciboski;188349]
I am in Illinois and in the same boat as yourself. I got hurt at work. They denied my work comp claim. I contacted my boss and human resources for info. The first two weeks off, I had to use my own vacation time, then I got Family Medical Leave Act for 12 weeks. Then I got the letter that my job was being filled (after 12wks). There may be short term disability, then long term disability. I had to have my surgeon fill out a lot of disability papers for me to get this. They (my employer) made me apply for Social Security Disability through the state office/fedral program. QUOTE]

You can appeal denied wc claims.
You should think over all the angles before making a decision.
It really is best to consult/interview with some good wc attys about your situation before making any decisions when your long term health & finances are at risk.

I hope your employer didn't urge you into Social Security Disability
just so you wouldn't follow up with appealing your claim.

My COBRA would have cost 400. a month just for me... luckily I was able to transfer on to hubbys ins plan thru his work.
They have a clause for change of circumstances like loss of job or baby birth etc.
so i didn't have to wait until the sign up date.