My mother has had both her Kidneys removed, due to cancer.
She is on Hemo-dialysis
She has to have dialysis three days a week to live.
Her Cobra Insurance is due to expire in November, 2000.
My parents are on Social Security.
Mom turns 65 on 1-5-2002.
They can not get supplemental insurance between the time cobra expires and 6-2001.
They have Medicare now and are making payments, (I'm not sure Why)
When the the Cobra expires, they can use Medicare to pay 80% of the medical
bills;
However on their Social Security they will not be able to pay the other 20%.
They can not get medicaid, because they make just over the limits.
Can you help us with this, or do you know someone that can?

I posted a response to regarding this under administrative. Basically, have you tried the social worker involved with your mother's case? Good luck!

I agree that you need to address this issue with the dialysis unit Social Worker. However, I can provide the following: For the first 30 months of dialysis and employer group insurance (or Cobra) is primary. The dialysis patient is eligible for Medicare, regardless of age, from the first day of the third month following the beginning of dialysis. Dialysis is paid for by Medicare Part B. While Cobra is in effect, Cobra is primary and Medicare is secondary. Medicare will pay for any left over amounts that the Cobra does not pay. When Cobra is no longer in effect, Medicare becomes primary...paying 80% for dialysis. The patient should, in advance, apply for an insurance that is supplemental to Medicare...AARP or Blue Cross supplements are two common ones. There are many available. The cost of the supplemental insurance will be far less than paying the 20% out of pocket. On application for the supplemental insurance, you may specify the date that you wish coverage to begin. This date should coincide with the ending date of Cobra.
I hope this information clears up some of your questions. I wish you the best of luck.

The Problem is that the insurance companies have refused her application for supplemental insurance, due to illness.
Are there any insurance companies that will provide supplemental, even though someone has a pre-existing condition like this??
Are they required to provide supplemental??The dialysis unit Social Worker had no answers.
Thanks for your reply and help.

There are policies that are specifically Medi-gap policies. Have you told the insurance companies that you have spoken to that you are looking for insurance that is a Medicare Supplement? Which state are you in?
I may be able to give you some suggestions.
Private insurance companies WILL turn down a patient on dialysis, for a pre-existing condition. Some Medi-gap policies have a waiting period of 6 months, during which premiums must be paid, before pre-existing illnesses are covered. If this is the case, enroll while Cobra is still in effect. Tell me a few more specifics. This is do-able.

Trish
Thank you so much for your help and concern.
My Mom lives in Indiana.
What specifics Would you need???
They were told that the Medicare supplement was only available to her
6 Months before her 65 Brithday, I think.
Do you know which Medi-gap companies they should contact?
AnnJerry

Thank you for your kind words. I think you gave me enough specifics to offer you some help. I believe your parents received general information when they were told that Medi-gap insurance would only be available 6 mos. before age 65. Since age 65 is when most are eligible for Medicare, that information is generally correct. However, she needs to specify that she already has Medicare coverage on the basis of her illness. Here are some companies in Indiana that provide Medicare Supplements (Medi-gap): Blue Cross Blue Shield, United American, Unicare, Mutual of Omaha, AARP. You can find their phone numbers in the Yellow Pages. Another good source of information for Medicare Supplemental policies is the local Social Security Office. While they will not endorse any one company SSA does provide a booklet explaining Supplemental Insurance. I am not sure, but you may be able to find some of this info online. (www.ssa.gov) The key to remember is that dialysis patients fall into a special category, that is why she has Medicare BEFORE age 65. I am very surprised that the Dialysis Social Worker has not been able to provide your family with help in this important area. If it is a fact that the patient has asked for assistance with this and not received it, I think a call to the Unit Administrator might be necessary.
If you have more questions, please feel free to post them here. I will try to help.