Insurance with HIV?

[CobaltKid]

Hey guys,

I am about to loose my insurance soon if I don't get on a program to cover my payments.  Out of work and money is running out.  Doctor said to let it go and apply to Aids Healthcare Foundation.  I have not done an intake with them yet.  However, after speaking with them, I found out that if I give up my insurance and go with them compleatly, they will cover most HIV related things but should I get into a car accident, I will shipped to the county hospital which I hear is the worst. 

So a firend told me to change to a really high decuctable, for major things like an accident, keep paying on it and tell AHF that I lost my insurance compleatly and have them cover the HIV stuff.  The problem is, I am afraid that they would find out once I give social and such.  Everyone tells me never give up the pravate insurance except my doctor.  He seems to think its easy to find a new job with great coverage.  Most jobs in my experience seem to be very weak or not offer anything at all.

I dont know what to do.  Anyone have experience with AHF here?  What if I give up my insurance and I find out they sucks, then its too late.

[tinydaniell]

well there is a program with ryan white program that you should quilify for takes about 45 days to cover your cobra payment so go to your aso and get the process started

[CobaltKid]

would AHF know if I kept my insurnace?

[Moffie65]

1.  Is AIDS Healthcare Foundation funded by Ryan White funding?
2.  What state do you live in?
3.  Under the Ryan White guidelines, insurance co-payments can be paid.
4.  Would you actually ask for RW care, and not tell them about your insurance coverage?
5.  Many of us have nothing to cover us in the event of an accident except our car insurance.
6.  You haven't given us near enough information to give you a reasonable or concrete answer.

Please think about opening up a bit and explaining yourself.

Love,

[CobaltKid]

1. AHF is funded by Ryan White
2. Live in CA
3. for how long?
4. This is what I am asking, I dont know what they have?
5. Is this a statement?  Whats the question?
6. what else do you need?

Guess what I am saying if I tell them I have insurence, they will bill me the same way as if I stay with my current doctor which I can't afford.  If I give up the insurnace completly, they will probably cover HIV but not other things like heart, liver, cancer or non HIV specific stuff.  They said in that case I would be shipped to the county hospital even if one that could save my life was closer.

If I can change my insurnace to a really high decuctable and keep a low premium at least I could hold onto it in that event and get the normal stuff taken care of.  But I think this place wants you to have no insurance.  And I dont know if they would be able to check this out.

[Moffie65]

Thank you Cobalt,

It is first off, important to first sign up with AHF, and get your intake done now.  Secondly, many states are not paying insurance premiums, but some are.  In know Arizona is, but don't know about California where many things are different.  The government assumes that it is easier to pay our premiums than to pay for all your medical care. 

Most ASOs have a certain poverty level that you must be under to be able to collect any help from them, and that is currently $30,000 for singles in most states.

I think if you are capable of working, and are considered between jobs, that you might not get help, but that would depend on whether or not you are on HIV meds, your lab numbers, your infection date, and generally your medical history.

If you are worried about where you are going to get emergency medical help in the future, then you probably should get a really good job and get stellar insurance; otherwise you are in the same boat that many of us are and you should just pick up a paddle and start rowing against the current. 

You really do need to talk to AHF and find out what your options are.  Otherwise, get back to work and get your money flow started again. 

Love,