The Fabulous state of CA - ThinnerTimes

Ruca · 11-03-2007, 11:41 AM

Living in CA can be hard with the cost of living, home prices, rent, gas and basic utilities and such. I sometimes find myself complaining about how horrible this state is the government etc. Attempting to avoid a political debate here because we all have our opinions but I have to give mad props to Ah-nold here.

California has one of the most comprehensive and flexible programs out there for families. I know in the past I have bashed on minorities and immigrants and my perception of them taking away from tax paying citizens that may be equally in need but willing to work or working out of necessity etc.

I have held my own health insurance through employer sponsored plans since I was 17. With the exception of like, 6 months 2 age 21 when I was not working I have never had a lapse. I guess I just took it for granted that insurance was readily available and all plans were "good."

After the hellacious 6 month job that I recently encountered my naivety came to an abrupt halt when I realized that hey...there are plans out there that really SUCK. It would have cost me over $8000 to have this baby on the health plan that Ken was providing. After a long process my PCP and OB/GYN whittled it down to $4.5K out of pocket with no insurance provided there were no major complications or c-sections required.

Evidently my OB/GYN contacted the AIM program on my behalf. (Access for Infants and Mothers) I dont know if they are really supposed to do this with the severity of HIPPA laws and all but they did and I am grateful. I knew about the AIM program and I knew that we made too much money to qualify so I just chalked it up to another program for low to moderate income families that wasnt avail to me.

Surprisingly, using last years income we were actually able to qualify. I took a lot of time off work and Dave's job was kinda slow as well. The income tax return from last year qualified us by a mere $40 per month. I mean literally, if we had made just $40 more we would be SOL.

So here I am actively enrolled in the AIM program knowing that my entire pregnancy is going to be covered from A-Z complications or no complications through blue cross HMO. I have a $5 co-pay and peace of mind. The AIM coverage is going to get me through the 20 week sono's and testing that my OB/GYN feels is necessary for my age/history and current health. The 20 week tests alone would have put me @ 2K out of pocket.

This entire experience has been humbling and an awakening as well. Even though I have the option of taking my employer sponsored insurance with Kaiser on December 15th I will still have to continue to pay my AIM contribution. (part of the terms)

Although I haven't decided if I will have this baby through BC/BS or Kaiser I am happy to see that the option is there. I will likely drop the AIM coverage for someone else in need (in my mind I feel like I am helping the CA budget or something. Silly, huh?) and use the Kaiser that I am helping to pay for.

So I said all that to say this:

I never thought that what I once considered the corrupt and selfish state of CA would actually be able to help someone like me. I always thought that I made too much money was too average and honestly, as racist as it sounds too white.

I am glad to say that my perceptions have changed from the bitterness directed at minorites, low income, and immigrants to elation that there are programs out there to fit most individuals.

I do sort of feel like scum, like I shouldn't really be allowed to have this program and that I shouldnt utilize it because I am not "poor" enough but I am trying to just get over that. I need help, help is here and I am going to have to suck it up and accept it.

I have already contacted my local office that works with medi-cal and AIM applicants and have arranged to help someone else in my position that for whatever reason cannot afford the AIM premiums (which cap @ $750 total for the entire pregnancy) by paying their premium. This is going to be confidential of course but I just want to give back to someone and to the state that is currently giving so much to me.

Now being the emo wreck that I am from typing this I gotta go get a tissue.

/Yay for CA. /Yay for Medi-CAl, AIM and Healthy Families and YAY for The Governator and his attention and strong opinions on maternal benefits and childrens health insurance.

I am very proud to be a Californian!

I_love_Hello Kitty · 11-03-2007, 12:07 PM

Hey...if you quilify then take advantage of it..obviously if you qualify its there for YOU. Like you said...so many others are being helped (many not even US citizens). Don't ever feel gulty about being helped if you need it.

LyndasRoom · 11-03-2007, 02:45 PM

Sweetie, The stars aligned for you this time, and it's meant to be. Accept the help with grace, and consider it a reward for the hatch job your last employer did on your trust. I hope you're still loving your new job, and are being treated well, and are still feeling great! See you 2Tues at Rain's.