One thing they've been advertising all over the place in New York is the Freelancer's Union:
http://www.freelancersunion.org/
Some of the better programs are only in the New York area, unfortunately, but they have some sort of health plans they offer through Golden Rule in Ohio. The plans have a cost estimator here:
https://www.goldenrulehealth.com/custom ... isplay=FLU. I tried doing a little bit of research, but I really have no idea what exactly you need, so I didn't get to far. Also, they don't seem to be the kind of plan you probably want (see below). The Ohio State Insurance Department has a listing of insurance providers here:
http://www.ohioinsurance.gov/Company/sc ... County.asp. In some places, there's at least one provider that will have to write you, although they may not have to cover you for pre-existing conditions (that you've been treated for/advised on in the last six months) for up to one year. Now, I don't know about Ohio, but in NY they have some programs with artificially low rates if your income is under a certain level. The Ohio insurance dept. (see earlier link) would have info on that.
Random other, less practical advice: You'll probably get the best rates if you go into a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) rather than some other kind of plan--they're the least expensive way for the most coverage. You'll have to use their providers, doctors, hospitals, etc. and they might have some silly rules, but given what you've said about your current situation that doesn't seem to be too much of an issue. HMOs usually offer better prescription coverage, too. They're better than a high-deductible health plan (those don't pay you until you incur a certain minimum expense--often around $5,000 from what I've seen) or a health savings account (you have to put money in to get it out). Also, it seems like you might want mental health insurance (an HMO should provide mental health benefits); generally that would include drugs and the like. Interestingly, there's an act that says insurance companies have to pay as much for mental health as physical health (i.e. have the same benefit cutoffs and things), although it's conceivable that only applies to corporate plans. By the by, it's not inconceivable you might qualify for something like medicaid--I don't know your situation at all, but it can't hurt to at least check:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/. Also, for reference, the Social Security disability/SSI info is here:
http://www.ssa.gov/d&s1.htm.
The Freelancer's Union also offers group-rate (i.e. cheaper, like a company plan) disability, dental(!), and life insurance in all 50 states, so you might find that beneficial. In any case, joining the Union would offer some national discounts and other benefits, so Poe might want to anyway--I can't imagine he wouldn't meet the requirements.
Also, don't feel bad about getting disability. The fact is, there are a lot of things that are simply out of our control. It's not like it's your fault, and so there's no need to be ashamed of it. Just do what's best for your situation.
Anyway, hope that was helpful, and hope you both get better and stay that way.
