COBRA and NKF helping pay for it

[hubbyhatesdialysis]

My hubby recently started long term disability so he lost his private insurance (which was really good and had CHEAP prescription costs) but he is on Medicare Part A and Part B now. Whenever we had a meeting with his employers about long term disability they asked if we were interested in COBRA but we said no because all we have heard is that COBRA is WAYYYY too expensive and just knew we couldn't afford it.

So I called my hubby's social worker the other day while he was at dialysis because we are going to have to fill Jake's blood pressure meds soon and I am worried about how much they will cost us without insurance. Jake's social worker informed me that COBRA will be a good option for Jake right now (just Jake and not any dependents) and I asked her why considering how much it costs and knowing we won't be able to afford it. Then she told me that Jake could potentially get his COBRA coverage completely paid for by the National Kidney Foundation if we qualify income wise and she also told me that we can get help with his Medicare premiums if we qualify. I was shocked because I didn't know that there were organizations out there that helped like that!! I really hope we qualify and can get some help because I am so worried about how much all of this is gonna cost knowing we don't have much money.

I was just curious if anyone ever had COBRA and the NKF helped pay a portion or all of it?

Thanks!

[sparklelady]

Dear hubby....
I was on Medicare and private insurance, NKF paid all of my premiums. Your social worker should be able to file the paperwork for you. It took about 4 weeks for everything to get paid.
I had a transplant ( in fact, it's 1 year today!!) so I no longer qualify.
Much luck to you and your hubby!!

[hubbyhatesdialysis]

Dear hubby....
I was on Medicare and private insurance, NKF paid all of my premiums. Your social worker should be able to file the paperwork for you. It took about 4 weeks for everything to get paid.
I had a transplant ( in fact, it's 1 year today!!) so I no longer qualify.
Much luck to you and your hubby!!

That is awesome that you got a transplant!! Happy 1 year!!  

And thank you for replying.. that really eases my mind knowing they helped others too. I hope we get some help!!

And much luck to you too!!

[lmunchkin]

Yes, that is what we were told also.  Havent had to use NKF yet, but is good to know, if we should every need it!  Cobra is very EXSPENSIVE!

lmunchkin

[rileysmom]

my social worker is helping me fill out the paperwork as well. she said that it shouldnt be no problem to have the premiums paid since i can no longer work at my job..