Moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico

[kneppbrandon]

Hello all,

I have decided that I want to move this fall. I am planning for the end of September. I currently live in Pittsburgh, PA and I want to move to Albuquerque, NM. I have visited a number of times and love the city/state. I've been trying to make the move for a couple years and now have a chance too. I'm unsure of issues I may come across as far as health insurance goes. Health insurance is going to be the only thing that keeps me from going. I will be 26 in October and this worries me because I will be off of my mothers insurance plan. I'm not sure how I would really afford the insurance premiums in PA (if I stay) or NM (if I go). My social worker has said before that some patients have been using only medical assistance. I was on NM website for medical assistance and it seems pretty similar to PA. I'm not sure what limits/guidelines they have for coverage. I guess this is my only concern. I know that the adult clinic is at the University of NM in Albuquerque but nothing beyond that.

I'm looking for advice and direction if anyone knows how the system in NM works. I have had issues getting covered by medical assistance in PA in the past and still unsure what I'm covered under. If anybody has any helpful information I would greatly appreciate it. How have other patients found coverage as adults?

Thanks,
Brandon

 

[bookperson]

Hi Brandon,

I lived in Albuquerque for a few years. New Mexico does have a state program to help with medical costs related to CF. It was mostly a supplement to regular insurance. If I remember correctly it only covered about $1500/year, and mostly applied to co-pays. I think it is called CMS, but I can't remember what the acronym stands for.

I went to the clinic at UNM, and had a great experience because of one person on the CF team. His name was Charles Gallegos and he was the nurse practitioner. Everyone else was just fine, too, but he was great. I don't think he works there anymore, however. I don't know if you go to a children's hospital currently, but UNM is an adult hospital. If you get hospitalized, you will be on an adult floor not exclusive to CF patients. Also, the rooms don't have their own showers. There is a shared shower for the floor. It grossed me out and so I almost never showered in-house. Or I would sneak home to shower.

It is hard to find a job in New Mexico. I ended up working as a tutor part-time for the University. I had insurance through my husband's job.

Hope this helps!

BP