Insurance??

I recently finished my 6th treatment and am waiting for my 6 week scan the first week of Feb for Stage1C. My husband is the primary for our insurance carrier. He isn't too happy at work and thinks about looking for another job but we are nervous about our health insurance and making a change. Has anyone done this and had problems? I have done some scanning about the HIPAA laws but it's so overwhelming and reading that some carriers might make you wait 12 mos for a preexisting condition is scary!! Any advice? I'd hate for him to have to stay put because of me...and for how long?? Thx! Lori

[SimplyStar]

I think the only thing you can do is call the 8oo number for the insurance carrier you have now and ask how long they will carry you if he leaves his job. Does he plan on staying at his present job till he finds another?  If he gets a new job then you will have to call that insurance  carrier and ask if they will pick you up, and how soon will that take. Your follow up should last  around 5 years.

[Lisagarr]

If your husband leaves his job, his current company is required to offer COBRA insurance coverage.  This is where you pay the premium for up to 18 months on the insurance he has with his current employer.  Leaving his job is a "qualifying event" and the company must inform you of your COBRA rights to carry coverage.  You will more than likely be responsible for the whole monthly premium (what husband pays now plus the portion the company pays for husband).  This way, if you can afford it, you can keep your current coverage.  

Go to this govt. website re:  COBRA.

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.htmlks in for him).  

[chickpea_and_me]

I used to work for blue cross blue shield. The previous post is correct about cobra ins.  You also shouldnt have to worry about pre existing conditions as long as there is no lapse in coverage. ie...you go right from last day of coverage with current ins to first day of new coverage with no days in between.  Always check with new insurance though. You know once you have cancer getting insurance is sometimes impossible as far as buying it outright.  I might be facing this too..hope it goes well for you.

Kimberly

[Best59]

The COBRA usually unfairly very high $! Not fun. Sometimes a "private" insurance is cheaper!

[s13]

I too have had many problems w/ insurance companies, benefits, & preexisting conditions...I've recently found an amazing, good standing private company that works w/ a group of networks to provide benefits to "high risk" patients. They approved me immediately, w/out requiring ANY medical records/history; I was stunned & commented to the rep. that it was surreal!  It is only taking 2 wks. to complete the processing & I'm covered w/out ANY preexisting conditions.  I've already verified w/ my drs. office, hospital, various specialists, & pharmacy that they are a reputable agency...there # is 1-800-608-4471; the name is United Insurance Benefits of America; & their website is www.hcabenefits.net.  My monthly premium isn't much more than I was paying w/ Blue Cross & Blue Shields; plus I have a CT, surgical needle aspiration & biopsy, colonoscopy, & laparotomy ALL scheduled beginning the 1st wk. of my coverage; All too which are covered 60% + generous paid benefits for each one.  I strongly recommend checking into it...it has been a great blessing for me!

[loralai]

This is very helpful Thanks! He won't leave without another job...I'd have to beat him LOL! I just didn't want him to have to feel 'stuck" with his job because of this. I guess the bottom line is to make sure before he does that any new insurance will take me on...and I'll get it in writing!! If and when it happens I"ll let you all know how it goes.

[alanpvegas]

Yeah COBRA may help but why risk it right now.  Lots of us are unahppy in our jobs...his duty is to you now even if the job sucks like hell!