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1253246 tn?1332073310

med insurance question

I am currently insured by my husbands medical insurance at his job.We are in open enrollment now for my job and would like apply to a group policy with them.I know there will be questions on the application. #1.Do I have to disclose Hep C or can I say fibrosis of the liver or Fatty liver or whatever? #2.Will the medical insurance company disclose this info to my employer?I have Not told my job and dont intend to.I have read too much about people being fired for having Hep C.I dont want to be one of them!Plus I dont want all the gossip and drama that will come with disclosuer.Im trying to do the right thing.Please any info appreciated.I have been told that the medical insurance companies have to inform employers of a contagious disease. What To Do ????
14 Responses
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1420486 tn?1384793153
Hi Cindy, I have never been asked  about any preexisting conditions for health insurance. I have been asked about health conditions if I applied for life insurance, and insurance on loans. ginger. PS screening tomorrow TTYL
Helpful - 0
1253246 tn?1332073310
I will get the pw tomorrow.I will let you all know what is all enclosed Thx as always you all come through with your opinions Cindy
Helpful - 0
142841 tn?1201975052
I've never had to disclose any medical info (beyond age and gender) for a group policy application (not so with app. for an individual policy -- very different story!).
Helpful - 0
179856 tn?1333547362
You know at the end of the day an employer can do anything they want in this whole world....no matter how legal they pretend to be.  I'd ask for the paperwork to take HOME that way you can review it at your leisure and see what is says.  If it doesnt' say anything about it you are in the clear. If it does ask a lawyer maybe.......
Helpful - 0
1253246 tn?1332073310
E. Employers usually obtain medical information about their employees by asking employees to authorize disclosure of medical records. This can occur in several ways not covered by HIPAA. Unfortunately, the laws in only a few states require employers to establish procedures to keep employee medical records confidential. (For example, California Civil Code §56.)

A potential employer may ask for medical information as part of an employment background check, with limitations as explained below. To learn more on employment background checks and an employer's obligations under the FCRA, read PRC Fact Sheet 16: Employment Background Checks,  and the FTC's website on background checks.

According to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act in workplaces with more than 15 employees (ADA text, 42 USC §12101 et seq.)

•Employers may not ask job applicants about medical information or require a physical examination prior to offering employment. After employment is offered, an employer can only ask for a medical examination if it is required of all employees holding similar jobs.
•If you are turned down for work based on the results of a medical examination, the employer must prove that it is physically impossible for you to do the work required.
Report violations of the ADA to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Phone: (800) 669-4000. Web: www.eeoc.gov.



For more on health information in the workplace, see the Department of Health and Human Services webpage on Employers and Health Information in the Workplace.
This is what im afraid of  cindy
Helpful - 0
1225178 tn?1318980604
I don't think that insurance companies can exclude you because of pre-existing conditions when you are applying for a group policy, so they may not even ask. If they do ask, you need to be honest because there is usually a paragraph near where you sign the application that says that if they discover that you have lied your policy will be cancelled.

As far as the insurance co. giving your medical history to your employer goes... I'm pretty sure that is covered in the HIPPA  thingy they came out with a few years ago. They can't share your info with anybody.

Diane
Helpful - 0
179856 tn?1333547362
Sorry I really dont know I was diagnosed after I had my insurance but I think it would be illegal for them to tell anyone about any of your medical stuff.......don't like Hippa laws apply to everything these days? It's none of your jobs business I dont think they can just randomly start calling HR and sharing your personal history.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I work for a big retail corp.  When  I started years ago I already knew I had copd, which can rack up medical bills quick, when I did the open enrollment  they offered either kaiser or healthnet neither one asked about preexisting conditions just what policy do you want. Basically how much can we take out of your check every 2 weeks. Your company might be different but where I work there wasn't any forms or anything, all computerized 3steps, chose a plan confirm, confirm we get your money and it's done.

You could always chose the most basic plan for the least amount of money and if something happens in your life on the next open enrollment up your coverage.

Donna
Helpful - 0
96938 tn?1189799858
Just going with my own recollections and based on my experience...I don't recall needing to fill out a medical history questionaire for either medical coverage or LTD.  As I say, I'm not an expert.  A person who seems to have had lucid answers to these kinds of questions in the past is GoofyDad.
Helpful - 0
1253246 tn?1332073310
I have plenty of life insurance so am not applying for that...But maybe short term disability???
Helpful - 0
1253246 tn?1332073310
The thing im most worried about is will they tell my employer that I have hepC if I put it on the app?
Helpful - 0
96938 tn?1189799858
I'm already outside a knowledgeable area...As with most employers there is an open enrollment period, as you point out.  You might make an inquiry to your compnay benefits person.  There are certain "life events" that can occur which might be opportunitues to "re-open" windows for benefit enrollment or changes.  Check with a knowledgeable HR or Benefits person to get more info but be careful when you give them personal background info.  Your "keep it quiet" approach, I think, is important.
Helpful - 0
1253246 tn?1332073310
My husbands ins is a good policy-dont get me wrong butI m looking at the fact that he has had 2 major heart attacks in the last few years-Was told to quit smoking or it was gonna kill him-still smokes like a freight train!!!!If something were to happen to him Id be without insurance and this is not the time I want to be without it.Im just trying to look ahead for what could happen.We Never Know!!!With the new health care reform I would have to be without insurance for 6 monthe before I even apply.And Id have to pay almost 700.00 a month for it.I dont want tobe up the creek withput a paddle!!!Then get fired for not telling my employer.
Helpful - 0
96938 tn?1189799858
A few things that may or may not be applicable to you....First, if you are covered by hubby's group policy and it is decent coverage why also enroll at your job?  It might be a case of over-insured.  I don't think you will need to list medical history for medical coverage unless you are also applying for group life insurance through your job.  Either way, the insurace company cannot disclose your medical history to your employer.  But, if there is a medical history portion for the application it will be a "checky box" thing - you should be truthful.
Helpful - 0
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