DH lost his job today. He carries (carried) all of our benefits including health insurance. He should qualify for unemployment, but I make too much to qualify for any kind of state benefits or WIC and there's no way in hell we can afford COBRA. I've tried getting information tonight about buying a plan through the ACA but it's so overwhelming. I don't think I've ever been more scared than I am right now, six months pregnant with a high risk pregnancy and no health insurance. He's asked me not to say anything to any friends/family for the weekend, which I totally respect. But I had to get it out somewhere. I guess any good thoughts you can send our way for swift new employment would be appreciated. Unfortunately my employer doesn't offer health insurance anymore, so that's no an option either. I'm so scared, mad, sad, feeling like I'm already failing our little girl by not even being able to take care of her. God this just sucks. I can't stop crying and I feel just awful for him. He's devastated and feels horrible. We waited so long to TTC until we thought we were ready, and everything's just falling down around us.
Practical side: most states offer medical coverage to mothers&babies regardless of income.
H got laid off twice in short succession when we first were married. Take a minute and take a breath. Decide in advance how long that "minute" is (a weekend sounds decent to me) and then shift to focusing on networking/job searching/researching benefits, etc.
Big hugs!!!! I'm so sorry. You aren't failing your baby. You didn't have any control over this. If anything your going to show her how her parents over came a hard situation.
I am sorry. I hope some of these ladies have some other good suggestions regarding insurance,I'm clueless on that aspect, but you are 6 months, hopefully your dh can find a new job in the next month or two that offers health insurance. There is still plenty of time to get it sorted out before birth day. Hugs.
Firstly ((Hugs)) I can understand the stress you are going through.
I was laid off the week I found out I was pregnant. I carried our health insurance and we had to pay COBRA for two months until I started my new job.
I would check in with WIC again and explain your situation. Or there may be a state program you can qualify for since you are pregnant and do not have health insurance.
ETA: You are not failing your daughter one bit. Please don't think that way. Unfortunately circumstances happen and I'm sure you will find a way through it.
I'm so sorry. Sending good thoughts to you. I hope there will be some good ideas here. It will all work out and you will be able to take care of your baby!
In the meantime, check out Obamacare. I handle the benefits at a small company, and our rates have been doubling the past couple of years. We were seriously thinking about dropping insurance, and assisting employees with obtaining Obamacare health insurance. In PA, we are on the federal exchange, and the rates were very reasonable with lots of options to choose from.
I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this. It will all be ok, though - you have a good head on your shoulders and will be able to get a plan on the marketplace or through your state.
Definitely take a few days to process and then start looking into your options. We're here if you need to bounce ideas/plans options off of us.
I'm so sorry. I second what others have said - many states do offer free or discounted medical care for infants and children regardless of income. You may not have your pick of providers, though. I'm not sure about prenatal care, but it's worth looking into.
Huge hugs to you - life's curveballs suck sometimes. (((hugs))) and good thoughts.
Oh my gosh - I'm sorry to hear. I don't know too much about insurance but I do know you aren't failing your daughter! Don't even think that - it was totally unpredictable what happened and you don't need that stress right now. ((Hugs)) to you - you will get through this.
You have NOT failed your little girl. Grieving this drastic change is normal and reasonable. Cry it out and let him know that you are crying because of the change.
DH lost his job the week after I found out I was pregnant. His last day was December 13. December is an awful time to job hunt. Through serious networking and using Linked in, he found a new job in February. There are good jobs available but the competition is fierce. You have each other and you have the will to weather this storm. Cope with the big problems by breaking it down to smaller items that you can manage. You can do this!
Love of my life baby boy born 11/11. One and done not by choice; 3 years of TTC yielded 4 MMC and 2 CPs, through 4 IUIs and 2 IVFs. Focusing on making the world a better place instead...and running.
Thank you all so much for the kind words. I feel a bit better this morning. We ate breakfast and went for a long walk with the dog. I am planning to find someone to help me with the ACA on Monday so hopefully I will get some answers. The unknown I think is what is making this so hard.
Oh Robyn I'm so sorry! I totally understand being freaked out at the unknown. You WILL get through this. Do you feel comfortable posting your H's industry/general location on here? You never know where a lead could come from.
Post by statlerwaldorf on May 3, 2014 13:39:11 GMT -5
That is terrible. It wouldn't hurt to talk to a social worker at Job and Family services. They may know of other programs beyond Medicaid for people in your situation.
Thanks again everyone. I really appreciate reading all the kind words and support. Last night was really rough but we will have more answers tomorrow and DH is going to be able to pick some side work for cash which will hopefully help pay for whatever insurance we can find. I'm feeling less panicked and hopeless which is good. Right now I'm just hoping we have insurance through the end of the month through the employer.