Insurance

INSURANCE...a scary issue for CF/transplant patients who wish to live a normal life and make a living by working and who enjoy working.

Here is my issue very briefly: I am still on my parent's insurance until I am 25. I don't have to be a full time student. My parents got a "dependent" clause right after transplant that allows me to remain on their insurance until I'm 25 no matter what.

We currently get our insurance through my Dad's work. He owns his own vet clinic and was blessed to be able to get group insurance plans, even though right now he's the only one "subscribing" to it. We have been "spoiled" with great insurance and have never had any issues. My Dad is currently trying to sell his practice and retire.

My mom is contract work and cannot get (does not qualify) insurance through her work.

When my Dad does sell his practice, we will have COBRA coverage for 18 months.

I graduate in May, and plan on working for about 1 year. Then I am going back to nursing school in May of 2010. This is a huge passion of mine, and I truly believe it's what I want to do, and will do everything possible to keep this dream alive and make it come true.

I will not be able to work my 1st year of nursing school due to the time needed to devote entirely to school. I am allowed and encouraged to work during the 2nd year of the program, which is the Master's Degree part.

Will I find a job who has great insurance benefits? Will they accept me? What will I do when I start nursing school? How will I stay insured that first year?

EXCEPTIONAL insurance is a MUST for me. (as it is for all CF patients). However, the majority of CF patients are on Medicare/Medicaid, decide not to work--therefore are able to collect SSI/Disability, etc. For most CF patients who have been transplanted, the same conditions apply. The majority of transplant patients (not CF) are either retired or do not work. You come across a select few who WANT to work. OR---the CF patient is married and is able to get insurance through their spouse.

Not only do I WANT to work, but I do have to be able to support myself. And I would rather do it without government help (referring to Medicare, etc.) and without the government telling me how many hours I can work, etc.

So...to sum things up. We are currently exploring this issue and trying to decide what needs to be done. I wish this was something I didn't have to worry about, as it quite frankly concerns me a little. However, I know God will take care of everything and it will all end up ok in the end. I just have to trust him. Although, this doesn't mean that I am supposed to just "sit back" and not do anything. I do have to initiate the action and pursue what needs to be done.

In the meantime, if you are a CF/transplant patient who does work or has any suggestions/advice as far as getting insured, feel free to share. I would love to hear your opinions or experiences with this.

My plan as of now is: Get a full time job with insurance benefits soon after graduating this coming May. Work for this year prior to nursing school. Maybe I can get COBRA to cover the 1st year of nursing school. Then when I start my job as an RN, I will be able to continue insurance coverage as I finish up my Master's in nursing. OR---can I maybe get some SSI/Disability after I graduate in May and just work part time, or whatever is allowed. Stay on that through the 1st year of nursing school. Then find a job with insurance benefits. Who knows???