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).

Maria, I also send you patience~ma for dealing with your MiL. Oy.

Ahaha, those pictures of Kato are awesome.

Cute AND Cujo, all in one. Makes my head spin.

Cute AND Cujo, all in one. Makes my head spin.

What Maria said. With a side of giggles, because really, Kato? You're too silly.

And the thing is, he wasn't being aggressive or mean in the Cujo picture; I just caught him as he was barking to indicate that yes, he would like a treat NOW, please. I just got him at the exact right (wrong?) time to make him look like he belongs on Shark Week.

I love the Sun Dog picture, though. That just captures his personality completely.

How wonderful that that program exists, Maria. What a blessing.

Thanks for the link. I do not qualify. 'Puffy foot' just isn't that serious.

Kato is adorable. Such a great smile. I'm simply going to assume that the second photo was taken out of context...and/or...he was just foolin'.

Steph, it will be a few more days...which probably means next week, for us to get the results.

Thanks so much for the good thoughts. Every one is deeply appreciated.

Everything is fine today, but now I can't take my eyes off the swelling around his backside. Is it? Is it not? If it is, what will I do?

Really not fun.

I also send you patience~ma for dealing with your MiL. Oy.

Yeah, I'm not really enjoying the disapproval for deigning to think about money at a time like this. Look, if it was absolutely necessary for him to have the surgery tomorrow, then I will goddamned make sure he has the surgery tomorrow, and it will eventually be paid for. If waiting a month is OK according to the doctor, then get off of my shit for weighing our options. I'm not that fucking callous or heartless.

Oh dear. Don't even take that on. You could never be heartless or callous. Not even possible.

You know you are right.

Period.