Healthcare reform bill/mental health?

Healthcare reform bill/mental health?I am 22 years old. I guess to make a really complicated long story a little shorter, all hell broke loose in the last couple of years and a series of the most unfortunate events happened. Four of my relatives died, there were problems with family members being laid off in a family business, I had the misfortune of being in a major car accident. At the time I was going to college. Since then, I have lost alot of hope so to speak.

At the time I was healthy and took my health insurance for granted. It expired, I really never had any major health issues, thought to save money and didnt immediately look into any plans. Of course one week later I got really sick, the sickest Ive ever been. It ended up resorting to the most incredibly hellish series of doctors visits. I saw five doctors. The only real diagnosis was in urgent care - "a viral infection", the antibiotics they gave me didnt help at all. This eventually led to ambulance trip to the emergency room where they did many tests, found nothing but a slightly abnormal blood cell count (which apparently wasnt anything to look into). Nothing life threatening. The doctor took account of my records, I was hospitalized for depression as a teen and have a anxiety issue. To get to the point - he diagnosed me with 'mental altered state', and since, the idea of seeing a doctor with whats on my medical records and with no insurance seems futile. (I paid the bills off with my money out of pocket).

A year later I am experiencing even more dizziness, have developed swollen lymph nodes, sensation of shooting pains up the arm/shoulder area, jaw pain, am very tired, and still have a extremely aggravating worrisome pain in the gland/sinus area, sleep alot + some other symptoms. Its ruining my life. I want to go out, get an job, live life - but I havent been able to even take a walk for an hour without feeling dizzy or getting tired easily.

I know that its because of my own idiocy that this happened and deserve it. But Ive gotten over the anger with myself, I am sorry I took my health for granted, and just want to figure out a real diagnosis. I want to know what Im dealing with and find a solution.

I know that this reform bill doesnt allow insurance companies to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions. Does that include mental conditions, or am I basically still not gonna be applicable for insurance?

Answer by DesiDoll
You said you were 22. Unfortunately you are considered an adult, which I am very sad to say, the reform does not affect for another 4 years. The pre-existing clause only affect "children" 19 and younger. But you are not diagnosed bipolar or schizophrenic or anything like that, so I am not sure if you officially have "pre-existing" condition. I would check with hospital that diagnosed you. DO NOT disclose this information to any health insurance company!!!!!

On a side note, what some people are scared about is a republican president coming into office in 2012 and vetoing the bill, thereby making it impossible for you to obtain health insurance. Unless you get a good job, move to New York, Connecticut, or Canada.

As far as paying for any BIG medical bills in the future..... if i were you..... I would let it go to collections and very politely tell the creditor you cannot afford more than some small amount each month. Maybe $ 25 per month. Legally, medical bills cannot gain interest, and they cannot affect your credit score.

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