171 lbs is nearly 13 stone.

I can see that would be a major health issue.

Anybody else watch The Biggest Loser?

yet again another REALLY suportive answer! Thanks

I know people (not a lot of them) that do NOT live at home and live in LA and make $10-12/hr so it is doable. Is it easy? NO! But they can do it

edit: double post



are you and illumine friends? if not, you should be! you can be miserable and negative together!

That was completely unnecessary.

I agree! That was very rude and uncalled for.

I have signed up, there is a lot of good free information both on the TV programme and the web site.

https://www.biggestloserclub.com

riiiiiiiiiiiiight. I think most people on the biggest loser tv show are way over 40-50lbs overweight. good try to cover it up though

Oh GEEZ people.


Kat - this is all hard stuff. Anyone who has upped and moved to a foreign country knows how hard it is, stuff you took for granted seems that much harder. I think you may want to consider a job that offers insurance instead of trying to do it independently, even if it means giving up a job you seem to enjoy (in spite of the hours). You don't want to be without it! I totally understand why you would be negative and it's been less than the year, with the first year being especially hard.

Are you in Orlando? There are a few big companies there that offer good opportunities and benefits (Disney, Darden restaurants and few others) - don't know what you do. Also, temp agencies usually offer health insurance after a few months. And the suggestions about universitiy jobs are good too.

240lb would be nearer the mark in some cases, especially the men.

The amount is not in itself relevant, you need to take into account height, frame and body mass. You get an indication free on that web site.

But the principals they give, especially diet advice, exercise, life style etc etc are good no matter what.

There is another show on BBC America, forget the name, the Presenter does basically the same thing in 30 minutes. One trick she has is that she gets details of their last weeks food intake and puts it out on the dining room table.....

Really brings it home the crap we eat.

Or you can just ignore it and put it down to glands.

You Are What You Eat - that show scares me, especially when she brings out the poo.


On a side note, I think some people get caught up in the "streets are paved with gold" line of thinking that many believe their quality of life will improve when they hit stateside with bigger houses and cars and more stuff. Maybe it is true if one moves from the southeast of england to parts of the Midwest and South but this is not always so and very dependent on where in the US people move to. Some places it is very hard to survive on a low salary, especially without the social safety net that the UK offers via the NHS, cheaper university fees, etc. Suggesting there are other parts of the US they should move to seems silly when they probably wouldn't be here in the first place if it weren't for circumstances bringing them to their current location.

I have a suggestion. It is possible that some of the city colleges and universities in Florida offer a group health insurance plan. I had to enroll in this several years ago (in CA) when I was attending a local college because I am considered uninsurable for private health insurance due to a neurological condition. I was denied by every insurance company around, but the group health through the school took me. I cannot remember the name of the company that offered the policy but they allowed payment per semester or for the year. It was basic health but it was insurance. I am not sure if such a plan is still available but it might be worth looking into. I am not sure if you would have to be full-time student or if part-time is acceptable though. I am sorry, I do not recall if you said how long you were in Florida but also something to bear in mind is the residency requirements to avoid paying out of country tuition. For a local city college here, my spouse needed to be a resident of the state of California for a year to avoid the out of country fees. His first semester, he missed that requirement by a week and we had to pay over $650 for one class. I took the same class for $60.

Hope this helps,

squidge

Wow. Do I judge you?

I cannot believe this is turning into a B**ch Fest ..... it's like being back at school again.
Most of us live where we live due to commitments .... yet it seems that's not being taken into consideration by the look of some postings .....
We're supposed to be helping Kat get health insurance ..... not squabble over who makes what or who eats what .... or be mean because some are living in more economical areas.
Try putting yourself into Kat's shoes for 5 minutes ..... I know those shoes are not a comfy fit.
The girl's probably exhausted from working her tail off all day ..... does she need to come back to her posting to read some of the comments written here ???? ..... I don't think so.

So ..... back to the point ..... Florida .... health insurance ..... slightly over weight by some silly guideline to get insurance ..... and limited funds.
It's a conundrum, let's brainstorm!!

I am curious if others on VJ have had this problem? Surely other Floridians have?

I've contributed (withOUT being mean) all that I can. I posted some links to Florida insurance guidelines that show that they can apparently discriminate all they want there. I think most of her options have already been covered.... change jobs, get associated with a university somehow, or just do without insurance for now, and work on getting within their silly weight guidelines. The only other thing I can think of is researching state programs. Indiana has some, so I would think that Florida would too.

I'm in Florida but, unfortunately, I cannot offer any help. I was added to my husband's insurance through his employer.

I know exactly how the OP feels. Believe me, you don't need to be new to the US to be in that situation. Half of Americans are already in it. America is the land of opportunity, and that opportunity isn't there for everyone. I have my big fancy college degree, yet am still unable to get a job that will support me and my two kids above the poverty line in NEW JERSEY, the most expensive state in the country. There are just no jobs out there. Trust me, I've looked. Did I mention I am going to lose my house this afternoon? Selling it and the closing in today. Not making a single dime, feel luck to not be owing any money. I get to stay in the house and rent it, but that won't last long. Two-bedroom apartments cost $1200-1400 here. I make $9.50/hr. and receive $700 in child support . And I can't leave New Jersey because of the way the custody agreement reads (fyi: I am divorced after 16 years from an abusive man who actually tried TO KILL ME and whose parents are extremely well-off and paid over $250,000 for his lawyers, while I paid $15,000, which was every cent I had. Needless to say, I got screwed in the settlement.). I'm just trying to survive and hold on until my fiance gets here and gets working, and we can start a new life. And before you ask, thankfully we do have a sponsor.


1. I have no idea how anyone affords to purchase health insurance on their own. I just elected not to enroll in COBRA, which would have cost $800 a month! Therefore I have none. Luckily my kids are covered through their father, and I am eligible for benefits at work next month. The 'joke' people like to say is that if you break your leg or something, go jump in your car and drive it into a tree, because then your car insurance will pay for the hospital bill.

3. Speaking of hospitals, yes it is against the law for a hospital to deny your treatment and turn you away. But it is not against the law for them to bill you. That hospital bill will go into collection and follow you on your credit report until you pay it off. Of course if your are a homeless person off the street you could care less about your credit report. The rest of us have ID that will be entered into the system and we will be billed regardless of our ability to pay.

2. I know you love your current boss and job, but maybe you need to make the sacrifice and look for a job that does provide coverage. Even if the pay is the same, you'll be making $300 or so more a month by not paying for insurance on your own. Two companies that provide health and other benefits to even part-time empoyees are Target (minimum hours worked per week is 27) and Starbucks (22). You are eligible for benefits after the first six months. Unfortunately the American health care system is set up to assume everyone can get insurance through their employer, and therefore will be covered. Sadly not the case at all anymore.

3. I too would move to England if I could, but that would mean surrendering custody of my children to my absive ex, and I could never live with that. Neither could my fiance. He is more than willing to make the sacrifices to make sure those kids are raised with us, in a safe and loving (albeit not wealthy) environment. My ex won't even allow my kids to get passports for fear I'd run with them. What a creep.

So yeah, hang in there and do what you have to do to make it work for your family. I keep telling myself that it will all be okay and all work out in the end.

Here's the link for applying for State Government jobs: https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/logon.htm
You should also contact the state government for information on health insurance ideas.

Which part of Florida do you live in? Based on that info we can see which universities might be good for you to take a look at. I can't recommend them more highly - especially the ones that give tuition benefits because that can only help you with your career. I have no idea what your skill set is, but you should be able to figure out something you'd be interested in. The bigger the school generally the better (though of course that's not true in all cases) because they can negotiate for even better medical insurance deals.

http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/273/index.jsp

You are what you eat. Thanks.

My wife has it on the DVR and makes me watch it when I slip.

The solution is to lose weight so you can get insured, there are so many benefits apart from insurance.

There are many many reasons why people can find themselves in this position, I am not going to go there on this thread.

something seems off with this because 171 lbs at 5'2'' is about 50 pounds overweight (on a small frame), so it's not like you can't be overweight to get insurance.

I'm guessing it's a typo, and was supposed to be 97-117....

well, I HAD thought of that too....

Damn! Here's me thinking I was WELL within the guidelines.

Met Life table of ht & wt

5' 2"

small frame:
108-121

Med frame:
118-132

Large frame:
128-143

Man, this thread has me quite pizzed off at the b!tchfest going on...so here's my $1.57:

Kat, I'm sorry things seem so sh!tty for you lately I'm assuming you're having a problem with ins because you're looking for private insurance? I know how that can be! After my brain surgery, I had COBRA thru my ex's insurance after we divorced...well, once my COBRA ran out, AND with my doc medically discharging me as reaching MMR with normal results, I was rated thru the roof....many companies denied me. It's law that your COBRA has to offer you a transitional policy and cannot deny you once COBRA runs out, problem was, even them having all of my records and seeing that I had not been treated for years, they quoted me summat like over $800 a month just for me!

I did find a company that will insure me. I picked up a policy that has a $1000 deductible, but covers 100% afterwards. Women's health exams are not subject to deductible. It does NOT cover pregnancies though. $265 a month for me. The company is called Golden Rule.

I dunno how your immigrant status will or will not affect your eligibility.



I'm thinking it's due to a health rating with private insurance.
____________



I currently live at home, and I can tell you I have PLENTY of responsibilities! I think I know what you were getting at here, but I felt compelled to tell you that just because one lives at home does not make him/her 'without responsibilities'
__________________

A few other things:

Platy mentioned costs of living elsewhere BEFORE Kat mentioned her hubby's kids....so it was a valid and helpful idea. No one needs to get into a pizzing match over who makes what and how much the rent is. I think I know where K&R live generally, and it's not 'downtown Orlando' prices. So pls try not to judge.
________________

Kat, if you want my opinion, I think you need to change jobs. I know you love your job, but you'd prolly be best off getting employed with a company who offers a group plan. It'll usually be WAYYYYYYYY cheaper for an individual plan than it would be for R to get one and then pay for married cover. Unless R gets a job at Publix cos they have GREAT insurance that's quite cheap to insure spouses. The pay is really quite nice for mgmt as well, but it's a lil tricky to get into.

It totally sucks, and I hope things get better for you. Insurance is so important, I know! I currently am working two full time jobs...one self employed, and one as an employee...so that I can get D insurance when he gets here. My private policy would go up $900 iirc to add him, and that's with no preg cover. And it is exhausting, but unfortunately, there's no other choice....

Good luck! It will get better!

I'm just hoping to get Darren on my insurance when he gets here, but it will be expensive to do until he gets his EAD, and an additional salary is coming in...

I did ask my uncle, and his answer has been mirrored by everybody else...I wish I could be more help...

ok now im scared... my fiancee lives in florida, making 125% above the poverty level for 3 people while me on the other hand has a very comfortable life here in Philippines... special thanks to my parents. I am going to give up a comfortable life to be with him. I have asked him so many times to move here. But he asked me what is he gonna do here and I couldn't give him answers. I certainly can't ask him to work for my parents. So here I am...hoping for the best. After all, I still think where there is great love...there is great miracle.

Wow, Kat, have only just read this thread as I havent been on here much..( working 50 hours a week!!!.lol)
Sorry you are having a tough one, I can completely understand.
I love the US and my husband so please dont jump on me with " Well...f*** off back to England then!!!!"...lol
but life in the US is HARD.
Im working 2 jobs, getting in at 3 am and then up to do my day job, still having to ask my parents on a monthly basis for 'help', which without that we would be doomed.
Ive had two run in's with the police, 1 ticket for not having a liquor permit in my first job (my boss didnt tell me) and an arrest for driving without a licence ( I was told I was good on my UK one for a while, still my fault though!)
It gets better and better. My dreams of cosy nights in with my new hubby have been replaced with waiting tables
all night and arguments about money.
Oh bliss!!!!
I do love it here, but man, its tough!!
P.s Also I gained 25 pounds when I moved here last June, and its still nestling.
Im fat and tired..period..I mean, full stop.
All the best, youre not alone!!!
x Chloe

Does anyone know how they go about obtaining your medical history? I mean when you move from the UK you don't have your records. Do the insurers send for them? Or do they just ask you to disclose information?
It seems weird if they can have access to your medical records when they are not medical practitioners.

I move in a weeks time and medical insurance is something I am starting to worry about. My SO has talked about putting me on his work insurance, but surely even they will want my history? It's all so strange to me...

Oh and i'm moving to Florida and i'm about 40 pounds overweight (but working on it!!)

Go to your GP and ask them to photocopy your records. They will charge for this and you need to give them a bit of notice to do it. Our one want a couple of days and charged if I remember correctly £10.

I just visited my GP. They gave me copies of my records for free. But they did need like a week todo it. So I would get right onto it now if I was you.

I'm on my wife's work medical insurance now. All they wanted was our marriage certificate.

I know I could get a copy of these records, even if I had to have my parents mail them out to me, but did any of you actually get asked for them?

No

No. Only needed to provide a marriage certificate. I now have my medical insurance card.

Nope, never asked for them. I did have to disclose all my conditions though, and the insurer wanted a letter from the therapist I saw last year during the period after getting the visa but before relocation. I emailed the practice, and they said they could only have a letter sent from the consulting psychiatrist (whom I saw like once for about 20 minutes) and he was on holiday (typical). The practice sat on it for ages, and as a result I was not covered for like 6 weeks while I waited. Eventually, the insurers took my word that I had only gone for a very finite period of time (4 weeks) and that my condition was in check, and I was covered.

I never did get that letter.

Yep, welcome to the club.

I always laugh to hear how foreigners actually view the US before they live here. Hollywood always sends the wrong message.

My wife did she is diabetic so I guess they want to see what treatment and drugs she was given in the UK. The doctor I went to had me file out their medical history form and that was all.

Hmmm...it could just be the company I work for but I didn't need to give any medical information to get Nicky covered.

In the past several months I lost 30 lbs through weight watchers...it was an excellent program that emphasized portion control instead of cutting out certain foods (especially sweets...my downfall ;-). I know a lot of people reacted quite negatively (and to be fair the person who posted about weight loss perhaps didn't approach the subject in the best way) but it will impact your life in many more positive ways than just being eligible for insurance. The confidence you gain from taking control of that aspect of your life will help you in other areas too.

Anyways, I just noticed how old this thread is and I wish you the best with your insurance endeavors!

Thanks everyone. I just spoke to Toby and he siad it's going to be about $250 a month to add me to his work insurance, which is what he plans on doing - but although I know that's a lot less than other people pay. I just find that so obscene when i'm used to freebies on the NHS.

Here recently i've been to the doctors 5 times (in a 3 week period) because I kept getting tingling in my arms and legs - after a multitude of blood tests - the diagnosis is anxiety and stress brought about my all the hassle of emigrating. Not depression I hasten to add!! No treatment necessary - the doc just told me to try and 'chill out'.. HA!!!

*edit - my spelling is shocking!

Is that $250 in addition to what he is already paying or is that for coverage for the entire family now? Also, how good is the coverage b/c it still seems like a lot to me.

He said it's JUST for me, but the deductible is only $500, and it covers dental too. Is that a lot?

I pay $130 per month for Nicky and myself and our deductable is $250 for eligible in network services and 100% for preventitive care. Neither of us had to submit to any medicals.

Allied is our carrier, and it could be my company hammered out a good deal with them. But for the other 2 major companies I have worked for the benefits have been similar. The only thing I can think of is did they have you submit a medical listing any pre-existing conditions (for example, if you have Multiple Scerosis that would explain such a high monthly rate).

Where are you at in florida? The company i work for starts off at $11.00 an hour with full benefits for the employee, paid for by the company. If you live near Gainesville we are hiring. Its a good company, and its a laid back job (customer service). And atleast youd have health insurance.

I don't have any pre existing medical conditions that I am aware of, what made you say MS I wonder, is it because I said I had tingling limbs?

No, I was just using MS as an example of a pre-existing condition that might warrant the company declining...or giving a very high rate - on coverage.

Really, it's good you have insurance now which is what really matters. But I would encourage you and your husband to look over the policy carefully.