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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by torchgrl on March 28, 2001, at 0:22:16
(I apologise if this is on the wrong board, but it seemed the most likely place to find someone with some insight on this issue) Does anyone know how past treatment for depression or dysthymia could affect being approved for health insurance?
I haven't had insurance for over 2 years now (which I'm sure will already give me negative points), but am starting to have anxiety attacks about the fact that I don't have it, and can't afford to go to any kind of doctor without it. I found a policy that I could at least attempt to afford (HealthNet PPO), but I'm wondering if I should even bother to apply, as I feel like disclosing my previous treatment (even though I haven't been to the psychiatrist for over a year) will be the kiss of death, and blacklist me from ever getting insurance. It already seems unlikely that anyone who's ever been to a doctor would be allowed to buy individual insurance, judging from the list of questions on the application, but the depression dx seems to be the most likely to raise eyebrows, given the insurance industry's generosity towards those of us with mental health issues.
Posted by Michele on March 28, 2001, at 23:19:21
In reply to applying for health ins. (U.S.), posted by torchgrl on March 28, 2001, at 0:22:16
Hi,
Did you ever just try to go to a local mental health clinic? They will treat you for free, if you don't have a job or insurance... if you do have a job... they will charge you on a "sliding scale".... no insurance required. The doctor's are pretty good(from what I hear) because they are in it for "love of the job" as opposed to money. I don't believe they make as much..... every city has them..... just a thought.
Posted by torchgrl on March 28, 2001, at 23:51:06
In reply to Re: applying for health ins. (U.S.), posted by Michele on March 28, 2001, at 23:19:21
I actually want the health insurance for other reasons (i.e. back problems, what if I get in an accident, etc). It did cross my mind recently that I might want to go back on meds... I had an appointment with one of the community mental health clinics with a supposedly sliding-scale, but once they mentioned bringing in pay stubs, I didn't bother. My experience with that is that if you make over 15K or so a year, you can "afford" to pay essentially "full price". They never take expenses v. income into consideration, or the fact that my rent takes 1/2 my pay (I live in L.A.). Thanks for the suggestion, though--I appreciate the thought!
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 29, 2001, at 8:17:04
In reply to applying for health ins. (U.S.), posted by torchgrl on March 28, 2001, at 0:22:16
> (I apologise if this is on the wrong board, but it seemed the most likely place to find someone with some insight on this issue)
I would in fact appreciate it if this were continued in Psycho-Social-Babble, thanks!
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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