Mental health insurance - Health Insurance Issues Message Board

lildove · 10-31-2003, 05:30 AM

My daughter who is 14,and diagnosed with bipolar disorder, is back in the hosp. for the 3rd time in 5 months, and the dr. is changing her meds. once again and wants to keep her for awhile. The problem is, our insurance for this year for her is all used up, does anyone know of any alternatives, such as medicade or social security. My husband has a good job with good income, but not good enough to cover her hosp. stay and her new meds. and her dr. app.
thanx

PollyPrissyPants · 10-31-2003, 08:16 AM

bipolar disorder should be covered as a medical condition, not as a mental health disorder...not that that would change your situation, but make sure your claims are being filed as such...the covered expenses are usually higher for medical versus mental...i too have bipolar and can not get any decent coverage due to it....i can only get a state plan and that costs me $550.00 a month w/ a $2000.00 deductible that for some reason, nothing ever falls under..this along w/ a 10-15% increase twice a year!!!....i wish i never got formally diagnosed and once bipolar, it can never be undiagnosed...
anyway, check a state run program...costly, but if you have huge claims it might be worthwhile...good luck and my best to your 14 yr old...i have a 14 yr old daughter also and having this disorder myself, i can't even imagine how a 14 yr old would deal w/ it...
PPP~~~

rubindj · 10-31-2003, 06:45 PM

I posted a reply on the bi-polar board, but state medicaid may help if you can have your daughter declared disabled. Since she is hospitalized, this process can usually happen in 1-2 days, and retroacticely.

You need to speak to the social worker / admissions person in the ER of the hospital, they are the ones that usually deal with this.

cindy12345 · 12-27-2003, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lildove

My daughter who is 14,and diagnosed with bipolar disorder, is back in the hosp. for the 3rd time in 5 months, and the dr. is changing her meds. once again and wants to keep her for awhile. The problem is, our insurance for this year for her is all used up, does anyone know of any alternatives, such as medicade or social security. My husband has a good job with good income, but not good enough to cover her hosp. stay and her new meds. and her dr. app.
thanx

Hi I think I am in the same boat as you my daughter is also 14 and bipolar and I am having trouble with the insurance. I dont make enough to cover it but also make to much for any assistance programs that I know of. It is really hard to deal with and like youI am at a loss maybe both of us will find some kind of help soon
Smiles