What is worse: Living off other people or having a preexisting condition?

I just got fired from my job today because I have a preexisting condition of Sickle Cell anemia. I have been working there for a while and would be eligible for insurance benefits in a few weeks. I have always been eligible to live on SSI because of this illness but would rather work and support myself. They fired me so that they don't have to pay for my health insurance. Which is worse: Living off you or having the company help pay my premiums?

2009-08-26T20:54:03Z

For "justmeinthisworld". You dont know anything about what it is like to actually have this disease. I have been off of SSI for a number of years and when I am working I always let them know. I was happy to get off of it to work and you dont know that what it is like for most people who have SC. It is EXTREMELY hard to work and take care of yourself because we are physically unable to work full time so it is harder to make our ends. Those of us who are not too impaired to work at all try to work some and this is what happens. Regulations are interesting to quote at people but you dont know anything about what it is like to have to live with the situation

fodaddy192009-08-28T13:35:07Z

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Kudos to you for not wanting to take the easy way out. I know about preexisting conditions and health insurance. For three years I had to get a private insurance plan for myself since my employer didn't offer any company-provided health car benefits. I paid about $675-$900 a month for a private plan through Blue Cross/Anthem. It sucked and I didn't have as much discretionary money as I would've liked to but it didn't cause me any real hardship.

You're going to have to weigh your options. You can probably get a private insurance plan, but it will cost you. If you can't afford it, SSI may be the better option. It all depends on how much you make.
Unfortunately many people with preexisting conditions are forced to live off others if they want to have health insurance.

Sunday Crone2009-08-27T07:24:29Z

In the reality of the work world you can't have it both ways, If you have been allowed under the SSI program for Sickle Cell, you are pretty sick. The other side of that coin is that employers want full time employees, they feel it is more productive and that is what business is about - productivity. I don;t disagree with you that those who are able to work part time should be allowed to, but there are full able bodied people who cannot get work these days. Within the SSI program people are able to work part time, and continue to keep the medical coverage that SSI awards. Have you thought of starting your own business? I can be done, I work with a women who has arthritis, is wheelchair bound and is eligible for SSD, but she works everyday and
now pays into Social Security.
Do I know what it is like to have Sickle Cell, no But I worked for Social Security for years making the medical decisions on SSD/SSI cases and I saw what people are able to do.
You are correct about regulations, but if you haven't filed that case yet, you don't know where it will go. Oh and by the way I have a heart condition that prevents me from working now, but I have figured out ways to survive and rather well at that.

Special T2009-08-27T13:15:42Z

That's got to be hard you've got people that don't know and don't want to understand your situations and their not empathetic or willing to give you any accommodations when it comes to your medical needs and conditions. i would say the next time make it plain and clear what you need for them and talk to some local organizations who fund research and advocacy and community outreach programs on sickle cell anemia

Anonymous2009-08-26T18:45:47Z

I know from experience, living off of others suck. No one really chooses to live off of SSI legitimately, it's usually something you are nearly forced to do out of neccessity sometimes. It sounds like you could sue your company for discrimination.

Anonymous2009-08-26T19:14:54Z

From what you describe, you should sue your former employer. They are not allowed to fire someone because of an illness.