Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 5, 2004, at 21:27:08
In reply to Please help me, I don't think I can survive this, posted by PhoenixGirl on February 5, 2004, at 20:21:12
PhoenixGirl,
First things first, you can survive this. As weak as you might feel, you are strong. The only thing that you are lacking is information.
As far as mental health benefits are concerned, many insurers in my state put limits on visits, but there is a state law that prohibits limitations when the condition is biologically based, e.g. depression.
For medications, many insurance companies that say they will not pay for off-label usage of medications, they will allow you to petition them, with your doctor's statement of why the drug is required in your case, and will pay for them when given sufficient explanation. In many cases, a reading of the full insurance policy document that the company is providing will explain these exceptions. It usually isn't gone into at all in the small pamphlets that you will get when you interview with a company. Sometimes it isn't even in the standard employees benefits packet.
If you want a new job, don't feel trapped by where you are. Sometimes looking a little deeper might give you the information that you need to avoid feeling trapped.
Another thing to be cautious of: Some companies are self-insured. This means that the insurance company does not underwrite the policy, and the company pays for the bills out of it's own pocket. In some states, these companies may set limits on benefits, and state laws may not apply. This is the case in my state, NH. I worked for General Electric, and they, at least my plant, did not have to follow the state insurance regulations because they are not an insurance company.
If you rely heavily on your insurance, then it pays to look into it before you change jobs. Of course, you may need to exercise discression. Asking a great deal about the mental health benefits may raise an eyebrow. Asking for a copy of the policy though may be a better way to go.
Good luck. I hope you find a job that works well for you.
Dee.
poster:deirdrehbrt
thread:309967
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040131/msgs/309995.html