all these plans are several times more expensive than what I had through starbucks, with significantly less coverage

this is such a racket

:c

word. I wasn't able to afford any of those even when I was working 20 hours a week

I'm only getting on a plan for next year because the family plans are more affordable per person (like $15 a month) and dad can claim me as a dependent since I'm a student

if you're a single person with a shitty job though you're screwed

(granted though I'd probably be covered by Medicare expansions if I didn't live in a state that refused those!)

yeah. and I have no idea if I qualify for the lower-income bracket because... I have a $35k fellowship for next year? I assume that counts as income, but what if I get another grant halfway through the year? do I have to report that as income too? will that change my eligibility for assistance? raise my premium?

if my parents are helping me out, does that count as income?

I'm a broke student with literally $0 of my own, it's all going to be coming from grants and maybe my parents next year. I have no idea what that means for my insurance.

with the fellowship, I doubt I qualify for medicaid, and I'm worried I'm going to have to break down and get an HMO instead of a PPO

I had really good luck at home finding great in-network doctors, but now I'm gonna have to go through all of that again and because I see a fair number of specialists I'm afraid of getting stuck with in-network Drs I don't like

like, I found a fantastic dermatologist who is exactly what I need, but she isn't in ANY networks

ditto psychs

I desperately need to get a psych, but, of course, ALL of them are out-of-network

on the other hand, the only even remotely-affordable PPO that offers any OON coverage only covers 50% after a $5000 deductible - $5k is a year of monthly sessions psych sessions already, so is it even worth it?

UGH

Are you still in VA?

ricinbeens no, in CA now

nvm then :c sorry

it really fucking does

like, I feel this hardcore

tbh I have NO idea if a fellowship counts as income or not, that sounds like something you might have to call them up and ask about

your parents helping you out shouldn't count as income though, that's basically a gift

evilbo yeah I'm gonna call the insurance-expert people at the school

that would be awesome if it didn't count because then I would definitely qualify for assistance or medicaid, but I'm not super optimistic

you never know! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you

<3

yup basically