Is skin cancer 9 years ago a pre-existing condition?

Hello.  I live in northeastern Pennsylvania.  My employer's health insurance premium payments are now $203 per paycheck (26 payments per year).  She said we can try to find individual plans.  My question is... I had basal cell carcinoma (benign) on my face removed in 2001.  Do I have to report this as a pre-existing condition since it was nine years ago, completely removed, and no recurrence?  Everything I've read so far says the insurers can go back as far as five years into your health history.  I have also been suffering from migraine headaches for 16 years and am on p.r.n. medication...is this a pre-existing condition?  Thank you for your help.

[SCarlisle]

Your rate isn't that bad.

Insurers can go back much further than five years, depending on the company.

Why not apply "non-bound" with a few carriers (Aetna  and BC) and then compare your options. But do NOT cancel your existing coverage.

If I can help, let me know.

[Amir Mostafaie]

Dear ginnyboo,

How/when you report your pre-existing condition to a potential insurer depends on how a health insurance application is structured & the questions phrased. For instance some carriers ask if you have been diagnosed and/or treated for certain condition in the past 10 years, and in that situation you will need to make a mention of your condition but if the same question asks "in the past 10 years", then you will have to answer NO.

Having said that I don't believe disclosing your Basal Cell Carcinoma that was treated 9 years ago will keep you from getting insurance in the Individual market.

Sincerely,

Amir Mostafaie