Job Discussion Forums

[talktome]

Hi,
I have been laid up for the past 7 months.
I have not been able to walk or anything. I know I need medical attention because one of the biggest problem is my circulation- but because of my hip and knees, getting around is both daunting and difficult.

I am a veteran and I am eligible to use the VA, but in the 8 years I have been a patient there, they told me more excuses than offering me treatment.
I also applied and was given medicaid- but its no better than the awful care I was getting from the VA.
A few months ago, the Affordable Care Act kicked in. Now there has been tons of negative things about it. However- there is one thing about this law that not many people know about- you see, before Obamacare, insurance companies would not insure a person with a preexisting condition. So before January 1, I was left to suffer in pain. However, because I have insurance, I hope I am able to get better care than the state and federal health insurance. The one thing that was not mentioned in the news is that now insurance companies can't reject anyone for a healthcare policy.
Before, if an insurance company were to insure me, they would charge me thru the roof for a bare-bones policy. Now, I opted for the best one they have and it costs about half of what I've paid before.

My dilemma is this- since I never had private insurance before, I am not sure about how to go about using it.
I made a list of ailments and I went to the insurance website and according to it, virtually every doctor where I live will accept it.
But like many people, I would like to know what the catch is.
When I worked in South Korea, I had their national healthcare plan and despite the Republicans claiming it is a step toward socialism, it was managed pretty well.
So for those of you who are in the US and opted to get private insurance instead of medicaid, medicare or Obamacare, how has your experience in getting medical treatment been since the implementation of this new law?

Again, the reason for my worry is that, with almost everything being offered by the government, there would be a catch to it and that the premiums I am paying now will be a waste of time and money.

My last and final option is a program called 'The Foreign Medical Program'. What it is, is that if a veteran were to go overseas- except the Philippines and Canada, which are managed in-house- and sought medical treatment, the VA will reimburse me for any and all expenses. I was thinking of seeking treatment in Thailand, Colombia or Mexico. However, since I have insurance I am going to see how things work out here first.

Well, I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best
I'll keep you guys up to date about my experience.

Also, any and all info you guys can give me could go a long way.

[peripatetic_soul]

Hello, Sorry to hear about your chronic health problems.
Not sure what your income level is but you go to healthcare.gov (may take quite a few attempts so be patient) and fill out the application to see what you would be eligible for. If you are unemployed or low income status, you will more than likely be eligible for an Obamacare Silver Plan that has -0- deductible, -0- premium (as this will be paid through tax credits based on income), much less out-of-pocket cost to you than any private insurance plan. Some states do not participate in Medicaid but I know my mother has always received quality care. I've never ever known of anyone reaping a better deal with private insurance but again, it may depend on the state where you reside. In the meantime, flocks of doctors are leaving the states for greener pastures in Central America because of the myriad problems associated with Obamacare.
Do you know Costa Rica's health care has been ranked much higher than the U.S. and cost incurred is 87% less than here! PS My friend was quoted $7k for dental treatments in the US, so she opted for Costa Rica and her flight, hotel, and dentist bill didn't even total 1/2 of that! Good luck and hope this helps.