insurance

[MeShell]

hi guys and gals.

if i were to quit my job  and look for another one will insurance still cover tx?

[regmel]

are you currently on tx?  If you are and change insurance company's they won't cover it. It will be preexisting.

[MeShell]

im not on tx yet

[peterb]

I'm not sure of insurance laws in your state, but if you join a "Group Health" policy (in Missouri) provided by your employer, there are no health questions and pre-existing is covered. If you apply for an individual/familiy medical policy, there are health history questions and pre-existing is either rated as a higher risk or not covered.

[Revenire]

COBRA may help?

[MeShell]

yes, ive heard about cobra, but it is very very expensive.

[Galen]

Here in Florida as long as you have continuous group coverage pre-existing conditions are not counted against you.  You would not qualify for an individual plan at all and also no longer qualify for life insurance or disability ins.  If you go to work for a company here that has fewer than 10 employees and have no existing ins, they will consider pre-existing conditions for one year.  IMHO,if at all possible, stay at your present job until you find another or get Cobra.

[Ambush]

Here is the site address for HIPPA.  There may be some info for you there:
http://cms.hhs.gov/hipaa/
It is my understanding that as long as you keep continuous coverage, a pre-existing condition is covered by the new policy.  I just went through 3 insurance policy changes in the last 3 months and none implied that they wouldn't cover the tx, but of course I had to go through all the pre-approvals for the meds each time, etc.  Tons of follow-up calls to make sure things were happening and some excellent help from the ladies in my doctor's office and I'm finally done.  If you do end up changing companies after you have started tx, be sure you arrange to get some meds a little ahead so you don't have to freak out worrying about having them when you need them.  Pre-approvals can take weeks.  Good Luck!
ambush :)

[Revenire]

Yes, COBRA is expensive BUT still WAY cheaper than paying out of pocket for the tx drugs, doctor visits for bloodwork and/or any complications that may arise -- such as needing Neupogen or Procrit.

A year's worth of this tx must run about 30k, plus or minus, barring any complications.

Good luck!

Scott

[GI.PA]

You need to make sure you have no break in your insurance coverage or your Hep C could be excluded or denied coverage for a certain period of time.  Even if it means getting a cheapo major medical plan (check out short term insurance at Fortis.com) or Cobra, it is imperative you keep continuous coverage.

GI.PA

[MeShell]

thanks all, will consider everything.
thanks for your time:)
meshell