My mother in law is 59 and is needing health insurance

by kboswellusm » Wed Dec 03, 2008 04:31 am

My father in law just past away, he was 59 years old worked for 27 years at the same place. My mother in law was insured through his work and now has to pay $300 a month to keep health insurance through his work. She is 59 as well. Is there any advise as to what will work for her?

Total Comments: 14

Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 04:37 am Post Subject: insurance

Hello...............gald to see you joined 'our' forum. SO,....your mother-in-law can keep Medical Insurance, through the place where HE was employeed, for $300.00 per month? Mmm.............I would think she would get some kind of 'life benefit' through HIS employment...just my guess, though. I know other couples that had similiar situations. Anyway..........I'm not an expert in this field. But...there are some very knowledgeable people, on here, that will help you figure this out. Again.........welcome.

Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 05:14 am Post Subject:

Thank you, and yes she does get life benifits but not for another 4-6 weeks, her health insurance was included but switched to "Cobra" after so many days. He was in the miltary, thought she could get insurance through them but not getting anywhere with that... Her finacial state isn't there because of all the red tape with his death. There just has to be something out there before medicare kicks in for seniors..

Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 11:30 am Post Subject:

How about contacting an independent agent for help? I'm sure that he/she will be able to help her finding a policy for the time period. COBRA is expensive since the full cost of the coverage along with the administrative charges falls on the policy holder once the group coverage perishes. If she is in good health, without a per-existing condition, she may not find it difficult to get a coverage for herself. However, the private policy may still cost her dear because of her age.

Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 01:51 pm Post Subject:

Hey,
We are quite used to saying things like 'Long term care insurance is expensive'. We do get shaken when we come across experiences like this one-

My mother in law was insured through his work and now has to pay $300 a month to keep health insurance through his work.



I've heard that individuals in their 60s are even enjoying additional benefits that come with Long term care by paying $2000-$3000 each year. Believe me, this would even cover for the home health care as well as the nursing home care. Then, why would someone need to pay $300 a month (which comes to $ 300X12= $ 3600 a year)?
anonymous00

Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 04:37 am Post Subject: insurance

Did you say Military/ He is Retired Military? I'm asking because I'm in the Military, as well. If I were you, I would check with your local VA Office....see what you can do there. Explain the situation. I'm sure a VA Rep can lead you in the right direction.

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 07:45 pm Post Subject: Military

Definately check with her local VA office. My mother-in-law is in the same situation. She is 59, and her husband was retired military and passed. You mother does qualify for benefits that would be more comprehensive than individual plans.

Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 10:14 pm Post Subject: insurance

OMG yes!!! Your mom being a Military 'dependent'?...she should qualify for ALOT of things. Does you mom have your fathers's DD214 ( Discharge papers from the Military)? If you can't find it, the VA rep WILL help you get another one. The DD214 shows what KIND of discharge ( 'Honorable', Medical', etc.) Hope things work out, and PLEASE let me know an 'update' please. Thanks. :D

Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 04:20 am Post Subject:

Wow!! Sd, excellent information, friend. Then, the mother-in-law does qualify for the benefits from the military policy. Can you let us know more about it? What are the benefits available under the military medical plans?

Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2009 03:20 am Post Subject:

hmm. ok, so your mother can continue to keep the policy through your father's company by paying $300 a month right? i would suggest that you seek alternatives, as the amount is rather steep, as pointed out by anonymous00. however, given her age, you may find some difficulties if your mum is not in good health.

go online and research on cheaper alternatives. COBRA is more expensive often because of additional coverages, which may not be neccassary for your mother.

Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 03:09 am Post Subject: insurance

i'm retired navy.did my mother in law?shes coverage for the health insurance also?

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