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Posted 12/1/2017 7:20 PM (GMT -5)
Hi all. I am still actively treating lyme with abx, herbs, and anti parasitics. I just got notified that I am getting laid off in January. I was looking for some advice as to what to do. I am a Project Manager for an Aerospace company, so sometimes my job can be stressful.

What is your advice for insurance? I could get Cobra for 18 months after January, but it is expensive. $657 per month. Is Obama Care better? So far my insurance company has covered all my medication.

What should I do about looking for a job? I am eligible for unemployment, but it is like $650 max per week. Is a new job to much stress at the moment?

Thoughts? Thank you.
Posted 12/1/2017 7:41 PM (GMT -5)
Sorry to hear this, Sheeks.

A new job an be very stressful - but not having enough money to live on also can cause a huge amount of stress. Don't know which is worse!

If you can live on the Unemployment - then I would take some time finding a new job... don't rush into anything .
Posted 12/1/2017 11:25 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Sheeks -

I'm sorry you've been laid off - although I agree w/ Girlie - it could be a way to make serious progress with recovery if you can stretch to cover expenses for a few months. Is there any way you can talk w/ your company and try to file for disability instead?

To be truthful $657 is not bad at all. I would call your MD office and check to see which plans they participate in and then look into those programs with Obamacare. Switching MDs mid-treatment could be a hassle.

I would also look into some of the financial support links in the "New to Lyme?" thread - might have some leads in there for you. And if you can't file for disability before you're laid off, I would file for it with the State office ASAP. I filed - took 3 yrs to resolve... you just never know.

But this might be forcing an opportunity for you to focus on your tx. And if you absolutely need to work - try to find something low-key or maybe part time. Stress will set you back.

Please let us know how things go -

-p
Posted 12/2/2017 3:50 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks Girlie and Pirouette. For disability through the state... I am guessing I can't file for that and unemployment at the same time?

I am kind of excited to not be working, but kind of not. I start to feel bad about myself when I sit around too much. Maybe I will find something a little less stressful or part time.

I figure I should make the most of my insurance now, before I hit Cobra!
Posted 12/8/2017 5:59 PM (GMT -5)
Too bad you don't live in MA. If you get laid off you can get MassHealth which is free and the best health care on the planet. They pay for everything. Probably why our taxes are so high, but that's another story.
Posted 12/8/2017 6:24 PM (GMT -5)

gfields said...
Too bad you don't live in MA. If you get laid off you can get MassHealth which is free and the best health care on the planet. They pay for everything. Probably why our taxes are so high, but that's another story.

Wow, thats impressive.

During the 08-09 recession, Obama care payed a good portion of unemployed peoples Cobra cost.

This high cost of individual insurance today is obviously wrecking the country. Younger adults entering the full time work force cant even try self employment anymore, or contract work for that matter. And early retirement is now for the rich, or those with pensions including healthcare benefits (rare).
Posted 12/8/2017 6:30 PM (GMT -5)
Sheeks175 - sorry to hear of the not so great news.

At work, stress depends on the individual, the environment and co-workers / management as well as your individual duties.

If you need more than unemployment, there is always the option of stepping down a notch in your work title. In the long run that looks better than unemployment on the resume.
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