But Sox, the chocolate is definitely welcomed and appreciated.

The very best outcomes ~ma, Maria.

Regardless of how it came about, I am glad for you that healthcare coverage is available.

Where did he find it, if I might ask?

It's really not that long, in cancer treatment terms. At least it always seemed to take at least three weeks to set up the next procedure. The medical people seemed fine with it, although to me it seemed like another three years. In some ways, Maria, between now and the results of the surgery is the worst part. One can deal with facts; speculation and excessive googling will drive you mad. Once you have the facts and a treatment plan, it's a lot easier to cope.

Maria, I am still sending love and good thoughts to you and DH.

bonny, when do you get the result of B-Boy's test? I've been thinking about you guys, too.

Maria, best health ~ma for your DH and yourself.

maria,

hang in there. I'm sending a lot of fervent hopes and wishes your way.

Lots of ~ma for you and your DH, Maria.

It's an HDP with a $1500 deductible and 100% coverage (medical and prescription) after that, for $195/month at his age bracket.

Holy crap. That does sound like a pretty good deal. I'm paying $350 for COBRA that isn't that good.

Man, I'm so groggy. I am totally taking Benedryl to go back to sleep at 10 pm or so. And being on such a weird sleep schedule is messing up my eating/cooking schedule, too. Tomorrrow I will make eggplant pasta, this I swear. Tonight it's looking like eggs. Again.

Thank you all.

Barb, no, we want publishing to wise up, not drown itself. You deserve to make a living too.

bonny, MD has a statewide plan via CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield for those who are unable to obtain health insurance via other avenues: [link]

The insurance we're able to obtain for DH is the MHIP Federal, which is basically the state of MD administering the stopgap federal coverage mandated by the 2010 health care act. It's cheaper than the MD plans, but it's tougher to obtain. Eligibility rules from the MHIP brochure:

Eligibility for MHIP Federal

MHIP also offers an MHIP Federal plan. To qualify for

MHIP Federal, you must:

-Be a current Maryland resident,

-Be a citizen or national of the United States or

lawfully present in the United States, and

-Have not had health insurance for a continuous

six-month period of time prior to the date you

apply to the MHIP Federal program.

Next, you must meet one of the following

requirements:

-You have one of the medical conditions listed

on page 4.

-Within the past six months another health plan

has denied you coverage for medical reasons.

-You are enrolled in, or have the opportunity to

enroll in, individual health insurance that:

-Limits, restricts or blocks your coverage for a

specific medical condition due to your health

condition(s).

-Has benefits that are similar to MHIP but cost

you more due to your health condition.

DC should have something similar. If the District doesn't administer the plan, than the federal government would. Check out page 4 of the MD brochure to see if you have one of the qualifying medical conditions.

speculation and excessive googling will drive you mad.

A thousand times, yes. Not to mention a well-meaning, but frantic mother (his) that wants to take over ALL coordination of medical treatment, and insists that he should get the surgery ASAP, regardless of insurance coverage. The doctor is ok with waiting, and it makes the difference between $1500 out of pocket and $15,000+.

Here are 2 pictures of Kato for everyone's enjoyment (as well as cognitive dissonance): Our sweet boy Kato; ...and the same dog (no, really) (who will EAT YOUR FACE).