That has been my experience, and I have had much experience reviewing our company’s policy lately with a pending switch on the horizon.
I’m a bit confused about it, too, but my understanding is that the City of Tucson has enacted a law (contrary to what the state allows) that allows two adults to register as domestic partners, which confers two rights: (1) a right to visitation of one’s partner in a health care facility, as long as the patient consents; and (2) extending use of and access to city facilities to a registered domestic partner as if the domestic partner were a spouse. (quoting from CoT website) I don’t think that law requires any other entity, public or private, to recognize the partnership.
My employer also offers limited domestic partner benefits, but it’s designed for gay couples and does not confer full spousal rights, including (excluding?) insurance. Health coverage is a long-term goal for them, but it’s too far away to help me.
My insurance company specifically says they do not recognize domestic partnerships of any kind. Maybe they would have to change their minds if my employer changed their policy; I don’t know. But if there’s a conflict in all this, I suspect it would have to go to the courts to get settled.
I’d marry him. It doesn’t detract from anything. It shows you are a committed couple. I’ve never had an employer ask about pre-existing conditions before. I think most of them HAVE to take you if they hire you. YMMV.
My other idea is one that a friend did for another friend who had no insurance. This was HUGE medical bills ($2-$3K is nothing in the world of medicine, though I know that’s rather meaningless when you’re broke).
Anyhoo…they threw a fundraiser party. Everyone brought their own beer and food, and everyone kicked in what they could. They raised thousands of dollars to offset his bills. (He fell off the back of a boat and got caught in the propeller.)
Good luck.
Another vote for marriage. I haven’t had this particular kind of situation, but I also have never had an employer’s group insurance ask about any pre-existing conditions for either me or a family member.
Ours may be in a better position to do it, but you can ask for financial assistance (they use donations) up-front, as well as work out a payment plan.
But as mentioned, group plans don’t tend to ask about pre-existing conditions of anyone joining the plan. You may have to pay a higher contribution to your coverage because of the status change?
"HRSA-supported health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income.
Health centers are in most cities and many rural areas. "
I’d check there first and see what your options are. I found a bunch in Pima county. At least he could get in and see someone and they may have resources to let him know where else to go.
I found some additional information and e-mailed it to you- I hope it helps!
BoBettie–thanks so much for that link (and your email). I’ve been calling everyone I could think of who could possibly help and they all told me that there wasn’t any sliding scale health care available. Apparently the fact that there actually is just slipped everyone’s minds…is it sad or inspiring that the SDMB is more helpful than the city and county governments combined?
Many thanks, BoBettie, and to everyone who has responded.
I, too, vote for just getting married now. You’ve been all-but-married for a long time, anyway. All this does is force the state to recognize your relationship officially, so you can start reaping the rewards of all the time you’ve already put into it. In no way is it a reflection of any kind of failure on your part at all. Congratulations, by the way!
But if for some reason that doesn’t turn out to be an option for you and you do have to finance his medical expenses on credit, you might want to look into applying for the Care Credit card (and find a physician in your area who accepts it). I have one I use for large veterinary expenditures, and it really does come in handy. It’s strictly for use with healthcare procedures, and offers (depending on how much you’re financing) up to 18 months No Interest plans. About Us | CareCredit
I wish you all the best!
I hate to say it, but as lousy of a deal medical coverage is in the US, its emergencies like this that warrant budgeting for health coverage. Until I was 24, I was covered under my mom’s excellent employer health benefits. She warned me that I absolutely needed health insurance, and if I couldn’t afford it, then I couldn’t afford to live on my own. At the time, I thought her warnings were stupid- how bad could it be?
But I humored her, and got some cheapo health insurance. The deductibles are pretty high (40% for what they covered) but having it is what kept me from having an out-of-control debt. Since I moved out I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, requiring multiple sigmoidoscopies and medication I may need to take for the rest of my life. While $35 co-pays on doctor visits (which seem to be 2-3 times a month lately) and 40% deductibles on surgeries still feel pricey, its still a lot cheaper than if I didn’t have insurance.
My roomates friend, who, like me, didn’t think she could ‘afford’ health insurance, ended up having a horrible infection in her ear (requiring surgery) immediately followed by dislocating her knee. She’s up to her eyeballs in debt and all the more reason I’m glad I have insurance.
You’re more than welcome. Been there, done that. I hope all turns out well for you and yours 