Mom needs medical insurance?

Question

I have a question about Medical Insurance for my mother. My Father just passed away at age 61 and before he died, my parents had the best Medical Coverage because my dad had a civil service job. He didn't pay a dime into it and only paid $2 per prescription. These jobs are hard to come by. We figured that my mother takes anywhere from $500-800 a month in prescriptions. I was wondering if there are any programs out there to alleviate these costs. My Mother is 56 years old and cannot collect any social security until she is over 60 and cannot get on Medicaid until she is 65. Can someone help me solve this nightmare problem?

Answer 1

I am sorry to hear of your Father's death.


please, where does your Mother live?

a few states have "community rated" health insurance plans which are offered to the public. They have the same rates for everyone and somewhat more liberal restrictions about "pre-existing conditions".

I gather that your late Father's civil service job does not include any beneftis for survivors. If you haven't checked, you'll want to do so.

Beyond that, my experience of most health insurance companies is that they exclude coverage for "pre-existing conditions" for several years, minimum, after you buy their coverage.

GL

Answer 2

Your mom should be able to get COBRA-as a surviving spouse of the insured. Contact your father's HR dept for info. They are legally obligated to send this info to your mom. She will have to pay the premiums which your father's employer paid and they will probably be high, but the benefits will be the same. Also, you stated that she cannot get on medicaid until 65-I believe you mean medicare. She may qualify for medicaid--depends on her income and assets. Contact the medicaid office in your county for info regarding her eligibility.