genie Posted March 12, 2004 Report Share Posted March 12, 2004 Has anyone found any financial help for graduate school when dealing with health issues like POTS, fearing that I can't work and go to school? Just wondering if any of you have found any assistance or have suggestions for me. Also, will loose my insurance because I'll be moving and leaving my job and benifits and that scares me cause I fear I won't be covered with a new policy, at least for a while? Anyone been through this or have suggestions? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denabob Posted March 13, 2004 Report Share Posted March 13, 2004 you can check with your local rehabilitation center but I dont know if they recognize POTS or not sometimes they will help with tuition with a handicap. Most places unfortunately still haven't even heard of it though. Good Luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pamyla Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 Have you looked into applying for scholarships? That's what I'm planning to do. I think www.fastweb.com has a listing. I've found a couple that are specifically for people with disabilities.You can always apply for financial aid as well. And you may want to contact someone in your department as there may be grants or assistantships available. (I'm personally hoping for an internship!)As for insurance, most schools offer some sort of coverage. Until then, if you're working you'd qualify for Cobra. It's expensive, but at least you wouldn't have a gap in coverage to worry about.hth, Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyMouse Posted March 16, 2004 Report Share Posted March 16, 2004 I'm doing the student loan route... but I'm still able to work, so my situation isn't quite like yours.Most major universities and colleges have a disabilities services office that you might want to tap into for ideas. Also, they have financial counsellors who would have far more info on things like scholarships and grants you might be able to access.Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genie Posted March 17, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2004 Great thanks for all the suggestions, I'll check these out! Thanks again!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ethansmom Posted March 18, 2004 Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 I just wanted to say that I looked into insurance through my school, and was unable to receive coverage because of the pre-existing laws in my state...so I am not covered right now. I applied to several companies and was denied for the tachycardia alone...it stinks! BUT I've been going to the local free clinic for everyday health problems, and I also get my Pro-Amatine for free from the drug company which I applied to through the clinic. I am lucky to have a very caring POTS doctor who treats me at no cost since I've lost my insurance...which is great. The only thing I pay for is the Florinef which is more affordable.As for the financial help for grad school, I just apply for FAFSA every year and have been received grants for the last year. It's pretty fast and easy to apply, just go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. I wish you the best, I know this stuff can be scary and frustrating Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyMouse Posted March 18, 2004 Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 I, too, use FAFSA on the web.In my state, there is a law against excluding pre-existing conditions. My university offers very low cost health insurance. Check with your college/university regarding exactly what they have to offer for you. Often, you can find that info on their website.Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ethansmom Posted March 18, 2004 Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 Nina-I thought there were laws against this too, do you know how I might find out?I live in West Virginia, but the nearest Kaiser is in Virginia, so I suppose those are the laws they abide by. Hmmmm.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyMouse Posted March 18, 2004 Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 Hey there Jess, I beleive the following website can help explain the "parity" rules for you. Federal regs (such as HIPPA) supercede your state laws.http://info.insure.com/health/hipaa.htmlNina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ethansmom Posted March 18, 2004 Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 Thanks Nina! I checked out the site and found this quote:"If you've had "creditable" health insurance for 12 straight months, with no lapse in coverage of 63 days or more, a new group health plan cannot invoke the pre-existing condition exclusion."I was covered for 13 years under Federal Blue Cross/Blue Shield and lost coverage on December 22, 2003. I applied for Kaiser on February 1, 2004 and they returned my application 2 weeks later because there was an unanswered question- I then resubmitted it at the end of February- they probably received it in March, thus just going above the "63 days". OHHHH that makes me mad!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
llp479 Posted March 18, 2004 Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 I'm a health care consultant and the most important thing under HIPAA is to have CONTINUOUS coverage. Insurance carriers cannot invoke a pre-existing clause if you have had contiunous coverage and are applying under group coverage through an employer. If you have not had continuous coverage, under a group policy they have to insure you, but can refuse to pay for a pre-existing condition for one year.If you are applying as an individual, they can refuse to insure you, and believe me they do. My mother was denied because she had been recently diagnosed with slightly elevated BP. They told her to apply one year after she had been diagnosed, and could prove she had had no ill effects from the diagnosis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ethansmom Posted March 18, 2004 Report Share Posted March 18, 2004 Oh, so if I'm applying as an individual, then it doesn't apply?! This is such a mess... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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