Posted by Bob on September 26, 1999, at 18:49:38
In reply to Health insurance~HELP!!, posted by Amanda on September 26, 1999, at 17:19:55
I checked out the website for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (www.nami.org). They didn't have anything specific, but there were a few leads:
#1 -- from a page on insurance reform
To find out more about insurance coverage in your own state, visit NAMI on the Internet at http://www.nami.org or call the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
If you have specific concerns about your health insurance, contact the customer service department of your state insurance commissioner, whose number can be obtained from the:National Association of Insurance Commissioners Support & Services Office
120 W. 12th Street, Suite 1100
Kansas City, MO 64105-1925
(816) 842-3600#2 -- they have a listing of pharmaceutical companies that offer free or subsidized meds to people who meet the requirements for low income. Klonopin's maker is on the list. The meds are listed by brand name, and I didn't see either of nortriptyline's brand names (Aventyl, Pamelor) on the list. That doesn't mean it's not covered -- you just need to contact the drug's manufacturer. The URL for that page is http://www.nami.org/update/freemed.htm. The page notes that some companies will help families with incomes (prior to expenses considerations) of up to $40,000/yr.
#3 -- One more thing about point one above -- find out contact information for your local NAMI affiliate. They might know more about the situation in Cleveland than anyone else out here in Babbleland.
#4 -- You don't mention if you're employed. In any event, I imagine that you don't have benefits (as opposed to staying with your father's plan because it is better). Looking at the information on the ADA, if you *do* get a job with benefits and your company's insurance denies you benefits, then *someone* would be in violation of the law. The ADA would require your employer to provide you with health benefits at par with those of your colleagues at your level. I don't know if your employer or the insurance company would be liable, but it does sound like someone would have to accommodate your needs.
I hope this all helps,
Bob
poster:Bob
thread:12082
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990914/msgs/12090.html