Advice - Unemployed & No Insurance
I'm hoping to gain some advice or perspective on where I am with current medical issues and not having insurance. Any input would be appreciated.
I am currently unemployed because my position was eliminated earlier this year. At the time, I did not sign up for Cobra because of the cost and I felt myself to be healthy and could address insurance in the future. Unfortunately I am now facing medical issues and having trouble figuring out how to approach insurance. I have an application in for Family Care (Medicaid) but might not hear back for a few months. In the meantime, I have a few procedures lined up that will be very costly - colonoscopy, endoscopy are scheduled so far. As time moves along I'm sure I will need to have treatment plans made and all of the appts/meds/doc visits that coincide.
I've not had to do much thinking or research on insurance options for about 20 years while I was employed and healthy.
Current status: I have severance pay that will cease at the end of July. Other than that no income at present.
Questions: If I am not approved for Medicaid, what would be recommended I do? I have spoken to financial assistance with the hospital system that I'll be using and don't feel like I have a good grasp of any certainties. I'm aware of charity care but assume I wouldn't qualify due to my current severance payments as income.
If it is determined that I don't qualify for Medicaid or charity care and need to look into private insurance, what sort of costs would be considered normal? Please don't hesitate to explain like I'm five. Insurance has thankfully not been something I've paid much attention to because I've always had it and not had any major health issues.
What should I expect for any upcoming medical costs if I cannot get insured prior? Are there any general guidelines/policies on backdating?
I feel lost and uninformed. Any help on what I can be doing now?