I'm 21 years old, and as of age 19 I was no longer covered under my parent's insurance..and, I moved out in and out of my mom's house twice since I was 17 and I'm back here yet again because of the end of my 3 year relationship. Bad thing is, I haven't ever really had a job because of emotional issues - I don't even have my license yet - and I think I'm about to have some serious medical problems. I had gastric bypass surgery when I was 18 and moved out shortly thereafter, therefore not having insurance and no follow up appointments - no seeing a doctor of any kind, because I didn't have the money..my significant other and I were living with her dad. Anyways..so, I'm back at my mother's house, my stepdad is going to Iraq next year and is in training right now, they have 2 year old twins and money is tight.. and I'm really not healthy (mind OR body) right now and neither of us (my mom or I) have the money to cope with the bills that I think I might cause. I don't know what to do..I can't let the financial burden go on my mom - it can't - and I can't get a job to pay for anything because of my living situation, not to mention my health.. I just don't know what to do. Can anyone give me any suggestions?

Under our current system, you are out of luck unfortunately. But there is a bill in congress, HR 676 that would give us the same universal health coverage as other industrialized nations. This would mean, for you, no worry of any bills of any sort and you would get the care you need. Let's hope that bill gets voted in or this nightmare will continue for all Americans.

First of all get your license and when you have problems you can get yourself to the emergency room...they have to help you...and from that they can set you up in follow-ups. Meanwhile, get your license and get a job! you need to try and move on and away from mom. She has enough to do right now.

Hey Brandy.. I'm really sorry to hear about your troubles. I had to deal with some neurological problems a few years ago which seemed to coincide with losing my job. Because of this I had a minor case of depression which made it hard to get back to my normal life. One thing that I did which helped me out tremendously was to go back to school. I'm not sure of how far you got with school, but I would highly suggest considering taking some classes at your local community college. I think it helps out with the self confidence as well as helping to find a job.. who knows what opportunities it can bring. As far as the financial situation, there are always fee waivers (at least in California) for low income students. Also you can apply for federal grants which is basically money in your pocket to help with living expenses, books, etc.. Check out http://fafsa.ed.gov/ if you are considering school.

I don't feel too good either, but I am single so I had to go get a job that had insurance. It's worth a shot so you will better.

I am not sure where you are living right now other than with your mom which is not a big deal. I completely know how it feels to not have any insurance, I have been there until this past November (2007), I have not had any kind of coverage for over a year now and it was rough since the one doctor that I have to go to (my OB/GYN) is always expensive. It is always hard to find a job no matter what kind of condition anybody is in. I know is some states they have some kind of low-income medical plan that young adults-elderly can get and not have to pay for it. I would look into things in your state to see what you can find out. Also look in your hometown phone book for other numbers within the government section and see what you can find. Sometimes there are as well places that if you write them a letter they will sponsor you so that you can have some-full medical coverage. Hope that I helpped or at least maybe calmed your brain down a little so you can relax. But again look in the government section of your phone book and see what kind of options within phone numbers that you can call to talk with someone about your situation. Keep me posted...

Louise