Insurance/Benefits question

[keithy_19]

It's been my goal for awhile now to go an acting school in the city. I need health benefits because my medicine will cost 3,000 dollars a month without it. I'm under my father's plan till I'm 23, but insurance companies don't really give a shit about the arts so I won't be covered.

I'm currently on the path of getting a job that will give me 32 hours a week, just a tad below the hours needed to be full time and to receive health benefits.

Does anyone know of any programs or anything that could help me out with this situation? I've decided to live my life to the fullest and follow my dreams, especially after I was diagnosed, but insurance companies don't want me to do that. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[HBox]

If you DON'T work and a doctor labels you as disabled you can stay on your parent's policy as long as you like. But it seems you are able and willing to work so that's not an option.

Hopefully in the near future this won't be a problem:

Corzine signs bill mandating children's insurance. (http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/07/corzine_signs_bill_mandating_i.html)

The second phase of the program -- mandating insurance for adults -- is expected to be unveiled later this year.

For NOW, although I can't find a link I believe here in New Jersey they recently passed a law allowing for adults up to the age of 28 to stay on their parent's policy. You may have to pay a portion or perhaps all of the premium though. Have your father ask his human resources department about that.

And there is COBRA as well. You can continue on your parent's policy after they drop you for up to a year, but you will have to pay your entire portion of the premium in full.