Financial Changes

With Mary's employment coming to an end, there are some changes that will take place.

• Our income will be drastically reduced. Since she will not be working, we'll need to pay off all her debts and look at any paid subscriptions she has.
• One benefit is the drop in vehicle insurance premiums. We'll also be able to sell the one vehicle we've already paid off, though not for much.
• The biggest change is our medical insurance. Currently, it's through her employer. This means we will need to find private insurance that covers at 100% after the deductible. With our annual expenses from visits, scans, and medication topping $200,000, even with 80/20 coverage, there's simply no way I could afford to cover treatment. This added expense will likely run around $1000 per month. That doesn't include the deductible we'll have to meet first, as well.
• This also means that my hopes of continuing education in 2021 are probably going right back on hold. I just can't keep adding debt at this time.

We'll be cutting some of our social supports, subscriptions, and otherwise extra activities. I've backed quite a few games on KickStarter that should keep us occupied for a while.

Steps we've already taken:

• Contacted employer-provided LTD insurance for coverage details.
• Contacted SSI to get the list of requirements for filing for SSDI.
• Contacted oncologist for direction on declaration of disability.
• Filled out preliminary forms and applications for ACA coverage at healthcare.gov.

I would welcome all advice or tips on getting disability, SSDI, private insurance, and/or Medicare going. Even if your advice is to avoid something. Even if you think, "Everyone knows this!" Please contact me directly.