Did you try applying through the marketplace? go to healthcare.gov website and submit an application there. Based on your income, you may get a tax credit. You don’t have to get coverage for your spouse but you must file taxes. I don’t get any discounts and my monthly bill is around $300 for BCBS HMO plan and extra $30 for dental insurance. Works for me. My husband’s PPO insurance is about $550/month but it’s the most expensive one they offer (as far as I remember)

wow that’s way to much to pay in this pandemic 😷

Yes when I had a valid EAD through my marriage, I tried applying then. I explained to the agent that I was a victim of domestic violence & I was in the process of adjusting my status (via Vawa) & that I had a Prima Facie. I gave them my alien # & we did so much back in forth, my EAD expd. Now 2 yrs later I’m trying again! The quotes that I’m getting on Healthcare.gov are in the $500 range & they don’t include dental. I thought working w/a live agent would be easier, but it isn’t. I’m sitting here thinking of how I can get coverage. The only thing I can think of is to apply for Medicaid which I did through the Healthcare site, or take a remote job where I can get insurance in 3 months or so. I just don’t know what else to do & time is running out.

You might want to find health insurance agent (private) that can help you find the right plan. If I’m not mistaken, then don’t charge you for their services. They are paid by insurance companies for bringing in customers. I’m not sure why the minimum monthly cost is so high for you. Might be bacause of the state you reside in

Kim A ~ Right? I went onto Blue Cross’ site & it’s even higher…lol I’m going to hobble down to Children & Family to see if I can get some help.

Sofie Morris ~ Maybe……I’m in Fla. The only meds I’m on are cholesterol & HBP, which I’m actively trying to get off of. I was stressed out due to my immigration situation & not knowing where my atty was for 5 months. Those issues have been alleviated somewhat. My issue is needing surgery due to no cartilage between my knees. My deductible is $8700 no matter which plan I look at. I don’t have enough issues going on to make that deductible. This is madness.

Have you heard about Financial Assistance hospitals offer? Many places waive service fee if you are not insured and have low income. Or even if you are insured but can’t cover the amount of bill that wasn’t covered. They have sponsors that will pay for you. You need to give them recent paystubs, tax returns and a letter that lists reasons you can’t afford to pay the bill, etc. I once had fee waived because I had high credit card debt. They didn’t ask a single question. My situation compared to yours wasn’t very serious

Oh wow!…Thanks Sofie. I’m going to research that right NOW!

If you can’t get insurance of financial assistance, you may just pay $25 a month until your bill is payed off. It’s better for hospital /doctor than to sell your bill to collectors for a fracture of cost that you own

I don’t know where you are located, but UIC hospital in Chicago and Orthopedic Hospital of Wisconsin offer financial assistance. Hope that helps

There are a few programmes in Ft. Lauderdale that I’m going to on Monday to see if I qualify for Medicaid. I honestly don’t need anything long term, I just want to get coverage for this surgery so I can get back to work. I’ll see what they suggest & I’ll update my post next week. Thanks so much for your help. I truly appreciate it.

Hope you can work something out!

Thank you! Me too!