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I have recently moved to Alabama from California where I was covered under an HMO for bipolar disorder. I applied to Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama and was accepted with the exclusion for a year of any coverage related to my bipolar disorder. With the medication and psychiatric/psychologist expenses, I am looking at roughly $12,000 dollars plus the almost $400 premium payment to Blue Cross/Blue Shield which will still be required so I will be covered for bipolar disorder after the 12 months exclusion. I'm sure someone must have faced this situation and would appreciate any advise on any alternatives or experiences. Thank you.
If you haven't already given thought you could go to a local community mental health center where most charge clients on a sliding fee scale. You can choose to either tell them about the BCBS or not tell them (this does happen). If you tell them about BCBS be sure to explain about the pre-existing clause you have fell under. As far as meds, you can see if any of the pharmaceutical companies have a prescription purchase program where you can get the prescriptions for relatively cheaper, if not free, depending on your income level and your insurance coverage. With these you'd have to have your pdoc fill out the form and sign off on it. If you are eligible, it will save on the expenses. Otherwise, you have fallen under a pre-existing clause and sometimes even a diagnosis of depression or anxiety will be linked to the bipolar and you'll not be covered. You'll just have to ride it out, sorry.
