Election Day - ThinnerTimes

Vikkator · 09-18-2008, 10:55 AM

I guess I'll have to get an absentee ballot. I met with my surgeon today and I'm good to go, so my surgery is scheduled for November 4. I still have to go through the insurance approval, but I'm hoping that's going to go smoothly. I've done everything I needed to and can't imagine why they would deny me.

But, there's a big thing looming over this whole thing. I'm beginning to think that this is all just a big pipe dream. My husband is very dissatisfied with his job and has been talking about quitting for quite some time. He carries the insurance. I work for a small business and my employer doesn't offer insurance. The sh$$ hit the fan yesterday and he's miserable. I don't want him to stay there a minute longer, at least not for my sake. The job is driving him crazy and isn't doing anything for his well being (or mine or the rest of our family's either).

So, I've been waiting to hear this news all these months. I had originally hoped it was going to be in July and it's taken this long to get to this point. I'm glad I have the date, but feel like I've been let down. I'm trying to look on the bright side, but right now, it doesn't look really bright.

My life has been in a holding pattern for the past couple of years because of this job of his. I love him dearly and support him, but I don't know how much longer I can deal with this limbo. We are getting our house ready to sell, but physically, I haven't been able to do much. And he works all the time, so it's hard for him to make the time. When he leaves this job we'll have to move because there isn't anywhere else in this town where he can work. There are a lot of jobs out there for him--just not here. With the economy where it is, I don't know if we'll be able to sell our house.

I like to plan ahead for things, but feel I just can't do that right now. I really want this surgery. I need it. I just don't know if it's going to happen in the near future. Thanks for letting me vent.

Gwrenchgal · 09-18-2008, 11:01 AM

You should be able to continue the coverage for 18 months on COBRA....I am not sure if that is a California only thing, you have to pay for it but you don't lose the coverage. You have 90 days to accept the coverage and make the payment.

Vikkator · 09-18-2008, 12:03 PM

Yes, but it's done through a completely different insurance company. I know our current company covers it. Not sure if Cobra group would. I know about this because I looked into it when my daughter was dropped from our insurance when she turned 19. I'll just have to see how things fly for the next couple of weeks.

SueRN · 09-18-2008, 12:21 PM

Your insurance should be the same. COBRA is the law that allows you to continure the SAME coverage that you currently have for 18 months. It can be extended longer for certain disabilities. You have 60 days from the termination date to decide if you want to pay to continue your coverage. It can be expensive as you will be paying the whole premium at this point. When you have to drop a dependant due to the benefit age limit, that's a whole different thing. Picking up COBRA can also help with potential pre-existing clauses for future insurance. If you have con't coverage, the new insurance company cannot tag you with a pre-x clause. You cannot have more than a 63 day break in coverage for that. Find out hwo much the COBRA payment will be each month. Sue

Vikkator · 09-18-2008, 01:09 PM

That is great news, Sue. I didn't realize it was different with dependents. Woo hoo! You just made my day! Even if it's $1,500 a month, it'll still be worth it.

Now hubby can relax if he decides to work contract for a while.

nittinnana · 09-18-2008, 03:17 PM

Vicki--please call your insurance and inquire if the COBRA will be the same coverage. When my kids picked up COBRA through my employer there were some differences. Better to know now than later....keeping my fingers crossed.

LizzieShell · 09-18-2008, 03:37 PM

Congrats on a date, I will cross my fingers about the insurance. I think it's kinda a tease that we get a date first then get told if the insurance will cover it... I will say a prayer. Let us know about the insurance. Who do you have??

I the scheduling holds true, that means I should get a date for the week before Thanksgving... if I can be back to work Dec 1, I will be happy. It's a realyy busy time of year for us. I have already arranged to be able to work half days my first week back, I have enough vacation to cover it.

Nickey28 · 09-18-2008, 06:06 PM

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY !!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! !!!!!!! JUMPING UP AND DOWN!!!!!!!!!! OOOOHHHH Vik, I'm so excited for you!!!! Everything will be just fine!!!!! I was on COBRA and nothing changed for my coverage plan.....oooohhh I'm so happy for you!!!!!

Vikkator · 09-19-2008, 06:50 AM

Thanks guys. Actually I had a heart to heart with hubby last night. He told me he's going to start looking for another job but will only accept one with the stipulation that he doesn't leave his current one until after the 4th. It's only 7 weeks from now and he plans to take some comp and vacation time during that time. He's put up with it for this long. 7 weeks isn't all that long. I can't believe it's coming up soon!

I've been trying to maintain my weight because I'm borderline and didn't want to disqualify myself. Since all my paperwork is in with my weights, does anyone know if the insurance company will require it to be checked again right before the surgery? The reason I ask is because I'd like to try to lose another 10 pounds, but don't want them to tell me I'm not big enough.

Lizzie, I have United Healthcare.

LizzieShell · 09-20-2008, 08:58 AM

Glad to hear the Hubby will willing to wait a little. Your date is actually less than 7 weeks...

But hey who's counting? I AM, I am counting for both of us. I have my appointment with Dr. O on 10/2 so am am hoping for an appointment the week before Turkey Day. But we'll see. I am still worried about the insurance approval.

I think that the insurance uses your records from your PCP and Dr. O's office - I did not think they will ask you to get weighted before they make a decision. I heard a couple of people from the group who gained weight between the NUT appointment and meeting the surgeon.

Well I have my fingers and toes crossed for you!