Life insurance--there was some, I believe. I actually haven't claimed it yet and don't really know how to be honest. I don't know if I would even get it given the manner of death and I just feel so sad claiming it--I literally don't want it. It's psychological for me that one.
You put me over the edge to make a proboards account.
My father took his own life and we were able to claim on his life insurance. Yes, it was hard, yes, it was sad. My sister didn't want anything to do with her share at the time. But later she was very grateful to have it. Being a survivor of this is not easy and it will put you out of kilter for a long time. Neither my sister or I operated at 100% for years. You should at least look into it. I do not remember it being particularly difficult to claim - no different than other bank accounts and such.
Sorry, I am no help on the health insurance. I do think you ought to make therapy a priority, and you should expect to need it for awhile.
An HSA is money you can deduct so it helps on that part. The premium on the insurance in lower which helps. When I did this privately from my family (through BCBS but am in KS so not sure what they offer elsewhere) my deductible was 7k. It's 6k now through work so not really that different.
I strongly prefer the high deductible plan regardless but the lower cost might help you out while still keeping you covered if something expensive happens.
I really like this idea. Here's a dumb question---do I have to put the entire amoutn in the HSA upfront or over time? At some point, if I build up a lot, do I stop contributing? Is it use it or lose it like an FSA?
I do need some tax deductions---right now I have nothing to claim.
The other ladies already touched on what I know about obtaining health insurance, so I'll leave that alone for now.
It is possible that with an income of $25K you still might qualify for reduced cost services/ sliding scale fee. Definitely worth checking in to. I would suggest calling your county offices and asking about any programs they might have.
Do you have a PCP? They might have resources as well for this. They should also have a list of free/ reduced cost services in your area. If you don't have a PCP, ask the county or call up any clinic and just ask. You could also ask your current therapist for recommendations, they often have inside information on stuff like this or some flexibility to change their fees for you.
Regarding medication costs if you do decide on a high deductible plan or no insurance, the "$4 pharmacy" lists (Target, Wal-mart, CVS, Walgreens, etc.) have a number of psychiatric medications on them. So you could get your whole month of medications for $4 instead of $60.
I agree with looking into part-time positions that offer affordable insurance.
Have you looked into any online grief support? Are you interested in being connected with any other women in similar circumstances?
Honestly, I find suicide and other widow support groups to be sort of exhausting/draining. If it were for younger widows, I'd be open to that, but it's so hard for me to relate to people who lost their spouse in their 70's and 80's. It's just as hard for them, of course, but it's different.
Suicide support groups make me so depressed. And it's mainly always parents there and not spouses--I've found that to be sort of unexpected.
I'm open to talking with other online support groups though.
I just have trouble hearing about suicide, mainly.
I know therapy is important but I sometimes feel that only time will help.
I haven't read all the replies so I don't know what has been said so far.
My mom is a therapist with her own practice in a rural community where if insurance doesn't cover most times the patients just don't pay. She can't make them (well I guess she could, but she doesn't because "it's not worth it") so she doesn't. When she has pt's come in that can't pay her fee ($100) she asks them what they can pay. She'll take what they can give her.
I know you said you don't want to switch therapists, but have you spoken to yours to see if she(he?) is willing to work something out?
Also, if you're moving, won't you have to find a new therapist at that point? It might be worth looking for one that would let you make a smaller payment.
Good luck. I am so sorry you're going through all this.
I finally broke down and bought insurance for H and I. It's $250/mo for both of us and while it's high deductible, it does also cover an annual exam and gyno with just a copay and not having to touch the deductible. I have medications that I take daily and they are expensive if they aren't generic, but luckily one of my meds just came off patent. I can send you info if you want, I don't know if they cover in FL, but they are in the area here when you move to Pgh.
Also, when I did therapy I was able to get a break, so definitely ask him/her about that. He said he would like to see me weekly and I said I could only afford to come every other, so that's the amount he charge me.
Everyone here has had really good ideas/advice, and I apologize in advance if you've already talked about this somewhere or mentioned this and I have missed it, but did where your Husband worked have an EAP (Employee Assistance Plan)? My employer has an EAP that offers assitance to spouses, which I know includes some free counseling visits...this may be something worth looking into, I'm not sure...?
Otherwise, I definitely agree that a High Deductible HSA health plan may be a great option, and I would DEFINITELY talk to your therapist - when I was going through my divorce my therapist worked with me on cost....it never hurts to ask/talk about it with your therapist
Everyone here has had really good ideas/advice, and I apologize in advance if you've already talked about this somewhere or mentioned this and I have missed it, but did where your Husband worked have an EAP (Employee Assistance Plan)? My employer has an EAP that offers assitance to spouses, which I know includes some free counseling visits...this may be something worth looking into, I'm not sure...?
Otherwise, I definitely agree that a High Deductible HSA health plan may be a great option, and I would DEFINITELY talk to your therapist - when I was going through my divorce my therapist worked with me on cost....it never hurts to ask/talk about it with your therapist
They do have an EAP service--it's contracted out. They contacted me when Steve first died through email (through my business) and I never did anything about it. I got the sense that I needed to do it as soon as possible and I honestly just couldn't cope and make appointments and all that at the time.
So many decisions and ppl contacted me and just overwhelmed me and I never responded to half of it. I remember it was 3 free sessions, but it takes me about 6 sessions just to tell what happened, honestly. It's horrible.
Post by beachdweller on Nov 1, 2012 14:26:30 GMT -5
I would definitely look into the life insurance. I have been through suicide with my dad, so while not the same as a spouse, I have been through some of the same emotions. If he was a high earner, I bet he had life insurance through work. Most life insurance policies cover suicide as long as the policy has been in place for 2 years prior to death. So sorry you are going through this -- that could be a big chunk that could cover your health insurance for awhile.