Loss of job, loss of insurance, loss of ny area

[motherinneed]

My son was fired this past week. That is not my major concern. Please advise me...  HOW does one maintain his medication regimen when one no longer has health insurance? I think in NY that may be less difficult, but he may no longer be able to live in NY so I need some advice from NJ people please.

Just as a point so there is no misunderstanding.. It is me, the mother, asking these questions. My son is not aware of my need to search out this information. It is me that needs to know from you all that there is hope for certain situations. This is the best place I have found to find hope.

[Miss Philicia]

http://www.atdn.org/access/states/nj/nj.html

This summarizes NJ's ADAP program and provides a link to the actual state web site.

However, if he's not yet moved to NJ I'd advise going ahead and enrolling in New York's ADAP program immediately anyway, and dealing with terminating IF he actually moves as there is a 30-day wait to prove your residency in New Jersey.

[aztecan]

Hey Mom (that sounds odd doesn't it?)

Anyway, first things first. Your son should have received or will receive a packet for COBRA, which is an acronym for something, but means he can continue his insurance as long as he pays the premiums.

Next, contact his ASO. Many agencies have insurance assistance programs that will pay the COBRA premiums for the client. In the long run, it is cost effective for them and the state.

This should work whether your son stays in New York or moves to New Jersey. I know the ASO here will pay COBRA for clients who moved back here from out-of-state.

There are some caveats though. Your son will have only a certain length of time to complete the COBRA paperwork. He must meet that timetable and may have to prod his former employer if he doesn't receive the paperwork in a reasonable time.

This happened to me. Because the former employer was delayed, I had to pay two months premiums myself because the insurance assistance program wouldn't pay the past-due premiums that resulted from my employers tardiness. If memory serves, that was nearly $1,000 at that time.

Your son should already have been in contact with his ASO to see what is available. If he hasn't, he should do so post haste.

Before he relocates, he also should check out the services in New Jersey or wherever, and make sure there are no residency requirements such as "must have lived in the state for six months."

I hope this helps.

HUGS,

Mark

[allopathicholistic]

Next, contact his ASO. Many agencies have insurance assistance programs that will pay the COBRA premiums for the client. In the long run, it is cost effective for them and the state.

I agree with the advice from philly267 and aztecan. In addition I would gather information from the ASO about Medicaid for HIV-positive people in New Jersey and New York

[Miss Philicia]

Yes, I know New York state pays for COBRA as I had to have that done at one point.  Have no clue though about New Jersey.  And I'm not sure how much information about NJ an ASO in NY is going to know or even be willing to give you.  You can always try going to a NJ based ASO even though he doesn't yet live there and just trying to find out some preliminary information.  I did that here in Pennsylvania about three months before I actually moved here.  It helped slightly as the ASO let me go ahead and get enough info so that when I moved things were enough in place that there was not much delay in approval.  The way the NYC/NJ are is incredibly intertwined, unlike many metropolitan areas that are just in one state, I'm sure they are quite used to this issue and will be helpful.

[purplerain]

Mom I don't have any advice on your current situation but I couldn't resist taking a moment and saying that I find it extremely touching (got me a little teary) 2 see your unconditional support 4 your son.  I am fortunate enough 2 have that same support from my mother and maybe it's being the only child 2 a single mother or that mother son bond whatever it is reading your post warmed me from head 2 toe even though it was a cry 4 help.  I just want 2 say that no matter what happens with your son's situation having a mother like U on his side takes away part of his struggle and 4 that I applaud U.  We are always quick 2 point out when people walk away from us today I want 2 embrace those that stay close..... Here's 2 U and I wish your son nothing but the best.

[allopathicholistic]

When speaking to an ASO, the first meeting will most likely be required to be in person and bring proof of HIV status. In person is best anyway because you can ask for printed materials you can take home with you. I would add go with a spiral notebook to jot down things they tell you, especially if what they say (1) doesn't sit well with you, (2) is confusing or (3) said too fast, etc. Share with us here as you see fit, and we might be able to make things easier for you to understand