pre-existing condition

[JoAnn]

Hi - We may be getting new health insurance due to a new job for my husband. I was just wondering if anyone has ever encountered a problem with cystic fibrosis being not covered due to being a pre existing condition? Thanks

 

[B]

Usually as long as you are cover under a policy until the new one takes effect, they can not exclude you for preexisting. ( I think this was mandated by some health reform act but not for sure) Myself i was covered under my states insurance program until the insurance of my first job took effect and that counted!!! Since then....Cobra is worth the premiums!!

 

[JoAnn]

Thanks, I did a little research and it appears as though in 1996 an act was passed regarding preexisting conditions and employer's group insurance. I appreciate your info. Best Wishes!

 

[anonymous]

I think it depends on the company and it's size. As far as I can tell, pre-existing conditions usually aren't a problem for large companies - b/c there are enough people in the group to absorb the cost of the pre-exisiting condition. I think it is more of a problem for smaller groups and virtually impossible for self-employed people. My husband was given two job offers last year, but we couldn't accept one because he would be an "independent contractor" and thus was not offered medical insurance. We found out that we could not get our own private insurance because of our son - he is labeled "un-insurable." However, the second job was with a large group and we had no problem with health insurance (we didn't even have a waiting period - which was a nice surprise.Good luck with your husband's new job.--Katrina

 

[MJS]

I have switched insurances over the years either because my employer switched or I got married. Every time I had no problem. One main reason is my insurance NEVER lapsed. I had to pay into Cobra a few times & although it was costly, it saved my insurance from falling into a "pre existing" nightmare. Every insurance is different. Even tho there is a law enacted now that doesnt allow denial of preexisting conditions, it leaves a lot of room for restrictions. The most common one is a waiting period which can be anywhere from 3 months to 2 years. The other potential problems could be limited quantities of meds, monthly/yearly or lifetime max of cost. I know its hard with a chronic illness, but contrary to all the emotional/heart picking commercials promoting different health insurance companies, please remember that they are a business & must/will run it like a business. The more profitable ones will usually offer more flexibility, but unless you are getting that coverage through a group/employer, its hard to afford. Good Luck! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif" border="0">