I'm 27 f/cf living in Toronto, CanadaMy question is: How do people in U.S pay for their hospital stays and medications? Our health care is free, so I always wondered how Americans covered their costs. It has been my life long dream to live in NYC, so any info. would help. Thanks for your time.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif" border="0">
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Living with Cf in USA??
- Thread starter princess
- Start date
Insurance.Insurance...Insurance!!Years ago, when my husband switched jobs, his decision on a new jhob was made by how good their insurance coverage was. Emily is 19 now and still covered under our policy. As a "handicapped" child, she can remain on our policy for the rest of her life. Our co-pays are very low...usually $5 for a hospital visit and $7 for meds.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
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Princess,It really depends oan what state you live in. Some states have programs to inssure some type of coverage for children, low income, and uninsurable. With CF you are considered unisuable unless you are under a group plan. The actual benifits of what it will pay for and how much varies. Howver, since Hillary Clitons issue was Health care when when she was Presi....I mean first lady, i am sure as the sentor of New York she has tried to push the issue there too. Also, we do have laws that you can not be excluded under your employeer group plan. Those vary by company on beifits and copays. To be covered for preexisting conditons though, you must show coverage by another plan till the day the group plan takes effect. I am not for sure how your moving to US from Canada and residency requirment will come into play with statel aid. I would check with New York department of human service. I am sure you could find out info on the web on what is offered and requirements. Good Luck with you r research and the chance to move!
Hi, I live in NY and have CF. The way it works for many of us in the U.S. is that we pay for health insurance on our own, or our employer offers it as part of a benefits package, or a spouse or mother or father's employer offers a plan that includes their immediate family. Also medicare, medicaid is available and the copays are minimal. With private health insurance, there are co pays, small and affordable for the most part.As far as moving to the U.S. from Canada, you most likely would have to be a resident for 6 months in ONE state ( in other words you can't keep moving state from state during that time) . Also, Canadians don't exactly get free health care. You pay extremely high taxes and that is why you get your health care. In fact many Canadians feel they pay more taxes than our health care cost privately here. Believe me, nothing in this world is free and Canadians are paying for their health care if they want it or not.Here is my em: luckylungsforjo@aol.com if you want to contact me.I have CF and now 39,and have a sister who is 49 with CF. We both have private insurance and also benefit from NY state programs.JOanne
Thank you all for the replies. As far as Canadians and "free" health care...Since I turned 18 I was no longer covered under my parents plan (I was not going to school). I started to receive O.D.S.P (Ontario Disability Support Program) therefore I receive Free dental, free medications, and some income to help support me since I can not work as often as a PWOCF. Yes we do pay taxes but we do also get $$ back come income tax time. People complain about it, sure...but believe me when their loved ones become sick or stay in hospitals as much as PWCF...I'm sure they'd be happy to pay their taxes. Plus I can probably guarantee those people who are so quick to complain about high taxes are the first ones in the emergencies every time they get a damn cold. Sorry to vent, it can be a touchy subject. I understand that if I want to move to the US, I have to live in one state for at least 6 months before I can get any coverage. Is there any financial support for people who can't work a full time job? Or what about if I was working then ended up in hosp and missed several weeks of work? Do insurance companies take on PWCF? Is it a high monthly fee? I have been to NYC before but dream to live there one day. I'm originally from a small northern Ontario city and moved to Toronto (Canadian city most like NYC) 6 years ago and been here ever since. I do hope that one day I can make that move to NYC. Thanks again for all your help. I will definitely check out some sites on New York State health care and requirements on becoming a citizen.
Hi: I saw where your daughter is 19 and can remain on your insurance for the rest of her life. I need more info on this if you don't mind. My daughter is 18 and I thought she would have to go off our insurance after she is done with college. I'm sure it depends on what state you're in and your company. We are in PA and she's covered under my husband's plan. They have been outstanding in everything they cover for her and it would be a blessing if we could keep her covered under this plan. Please let me know.Thanks so much. I can be reached at elgincot@aol.com.
My 3yr old daughter has CF. My company's insurance is her primary and the Children with Special Needs Foundation is her secondary. My insurance will absolutely NOT cover anyting that is related to her CF due to it being viewed as "pre-existing" when I switched jobs from a previous employer. I was not aware of the COBRA option at the time, and I had much more on my mind than I could handle at the time anyway. So basically, our insurance covers her if she would break an arm or require stiches, unless they can find a way to blame it on her CF. Otherwise they won't touch her. I am extremely thankful that CSNF cover 100% of what insurance does not and with absolutely no hassels.