Health Care Stories: Turning to SSI/Disability for Coverage

One of the gravest concerns for HIV- positive people with employer-based health insurance is losing their job.  While COBRA may provide continued coverage for a few months, it is often accompanied with a steep premium hike, making continued coverage during a period of unemployment nearly impossible.  With a public option that provides secure, consistent, and high-quality coverage at an affordable rate, and subsidies for low- and middle-income families and individuals, people like Matthew wont’ have to worry about prohibitively high health care costs during difficult financial times. 

“Recently I was laid off due to the economy.  My insurance was set to run out July 1.  Cobra, at over $500 a month, is not an option for the unemployed.  I have applied at many direct insurers, but they will not cover me due to a pre-existing condition.  I want to keep working but it appears my only option is to attempt to get SSI and disability!  The system is broken.  There needs to be a mandatory public option for people like me!” 

Matthew, AL 

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*Please note that actual names have been changed to protect individual's confidentiality.  Media interested in interviewing HIV-positive people about health-coverage issues should contact AFC Communications Director Johnathon Briggs at jbriggs@aidschicago or 312-334-0922.