Hello :) . Well I'm currently 21, a full-time student, and living at home under my father's health insurance (HealthNet).

The only reason I'm still able to be under my father's insurance is become I'm 21 or under and also a full-time student.

My problem is that I currently take Paxil for Social Anxiety Disorder, so basically I NEED Health Insurance of some sort to sustain my quality of life. Depression/Anxiety runs in my family for several generations, and I most-likely will be on some type of SSRI drug for the rest of my life.

I plan on moving out this upcoming Summer and finding a full-time job to afford this. I work part-time currently and am saving money to help with the move, but I am obviously worried about my health coverage. I also turn 22 in April, which knocks me off my Dad's insurance policy.

I have no idea what I'm going to do :confused: . My parents make fairly low wages (Dad makes about $30k a year, Mom doesn't work) so they definitely can't help me out with paying for medication, not to mention that I'm the oldest of four children. I wouldn't even be going to college unless I had grant money from FAFSA.

What are my options? I'll still be in school for another two years getting my BA, so I doubt I can find a good enough job that will allow me Health Insurance... and even if I did find this job, is me being diagnosed with SAD going to screw me over? I can't afford to be paying $150 a month for medication on top of phone bills, car payments, and rent as well. I can't stand the tension of living at home for another two years until I graduate... especially when I'm sharing a room with my 12 year old brother :rolleyes: .

Am I just royally screwed?

Check to see if the school offers some type of insurance, or there is the possiblity of state Medicaid? Best of luck.

Suggest you read your father's policy and talk to their home office. Some companies will insure student's a little longer. Yes, the insurance companies will look at your SAD andcharge you more then the regular premium or may even decline you, depending on your doctor's report. Also, you will not find any prescription coverage. But, you need to lookat your career opprportunities and enhance them by special education. then, you kight be able to get a job with a firm that had a group plan. you would then eliminate the worry you now have for your future. And, look at therapies to get you off of meds. there are many techniques available. Once you are 1 yr. fee of meds, there maybe insurance available. Good luck.

CyberNick,

I'm going to go out of the box:


Consider emigrating...I'm not joking. You can get FAR cheaper good care in any OTHER semi-civilized country..

Consider moving to a warm climate with LOOONNNGGG days...it often cures SAD.


Less drastic, ask your doctor for a YEAR'S prescription (renew 12 times) for your Paxil. ..........Pay it out of pocket.

Call SmithKline...you might be able to qualify for free Paxil.

Back to more drastic...learn to live without PAXIL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Think about a career with GUARANTEED HEALTH CARE...teaching is good, CONGRESS or THE PRESIDENCY is better....they all have GOOD/EXCELLENT/STUPENDOUS care paid by taxpayers.

Of all I mentioned, the first and most important is GET OFF THE PAXIL...I know you don't want to hear it but the thought of a life on this drug or it's evil sisters is scarier than a Dracula movie!

DON'T GET A MEDICAL HISTORY OF DEPRESSION........cover it up, hide it, change doctors...whatever you have to do. You are too young to be LABELLED because you had a bad year or two.