Pre-Existing Condition

[Ojibajo]

Ok so now that my life ***** and I have have MS if I am ever lucky enough to find another job will I not be able to hve insurance ever again because I now have a pre-existing condition?

I'm sorry if I sound bitter. It's been a really crappy day!

[Ojibajo]

Some background.

I live in the US - Michigan. I have insurance through my employer, a University, but I would like to find a full-time teaching job. My worry is that if I change jobs I will have a pre-existing condition and won't be able to take the employee health insurance.

[HVAC]

The pre existing clause under the Affordable Care Act does not go into effect until 2014. There is until that time a Federal High Risk Pool but you have to be with out insurance for 6 months and not be eligible for a group plan. Some States have High Risk Pools. The rules vary State to State. All the High Risk Pools have limited funding so when they are full they are full. On the good side in our State most people do not apply for them so both the State and Federal are available. Ironically it is better insurance than I have but since my husband is a State worker and I am eligible for a group plan I am not eligible for either.

In 2014 there will also be the Health Exchanges which should make a more level playing field. Unless the insurance industry does what they are doing in our State and write the law where they control the Exchanges.

The future in our State is interesting the monopoly insurer is trying to run the Exchanges. 90% of insured people all ready have their insurance. Plus they are setting up a new health care model. Basically if all goes to plan we will have a close to Universal Health Care System run by a private insurance company. There will be these large Primary Practices of 5,000 patients run by the insurance company. They will have mental health, pt, dieticians, and pharmacies all on site. Everything will be electronic. Pretty much like Military Health Care I grew up on except for profit.

[jensequitur]

Yeah, I'm in Texas - you can imagine what there is out there for me in the high risk pool.  Crazy expensive and very minimal coverage.

[COBOB]

There is some protection if the new heath care reform stays in place and insurance companies have to take you on at a regular rate. There are state high-risk pools today, but they are priced in the ozone.   Also, it depends on your employer and their size.  My employer has managed to force the insurers to take on employees with existing conditions if they want to do business with the rest of the corporate pool.  I guess it helps when you have 400,000 employees (globally.)

Bob

[jensequitur]

I think if you're getting insurance through your employer, you've got instant acceptance (as long as you're in the US.)  If you're looking for private, then you'll have to wait until 2014 when the new health reform laws kick in.  Unless the Republicans manage to get it repealed.

[summerluvr]

I don't know about US medical insurance, I am thankful I live in Canada for the big stuff.  (out patient drugs are not covered though).  But trying to get life insurance, or mortgage insurance, or travel insurance is pretty much a bust fo me. Sux!

[Lulu54]

It censors all sorts of words - why do you think we can't type pin p-rick without it getting zapped?  LOL

Where I work the new employees are eligible for insurance.  Period.  There is no preexisting clause that keeps them out of the insurance pool.    I don't know how the laws are where you live.  It is definitely something to ponder.

sorry it's a crap py day.
Lulu

[essdipity]

Sure does. That's why I spell it SUX.

ess

[Ojibajo]

OMG it really censored the word S-U-C-K-S?