Dumb insurance question

[BarbOver40]

I have a dumb question...I think I know the answer, but wanted some opinions.
It's about the fun topic of insurance.
My husband may be losing his job.  I will have the option to pick up my employer's insurance if he does.  I have already filled out the paper work to "deny" my company's insurance (as I am covered by my husbands).  
I'm afraid that if I go to the doctor now on my husbands insurance, he loses his job and I have to sign up with my employers insurance, they'll consider my pregnancy a "pre existing condition".
I don't think it's legal for them to deny me of coverage because I was covered previously and it's group insurance.  Am I right?  I don't want to ask Human Resources yet, because I am not ready to tell my employer I'm preggo!
Any Human Resources people out there who can help me out?

[Tanker Chic]

I would call the insurance company directly and ask them.  

[PamelaBee]

First of all, that's not a dumb question.  I agree with tanker chic, I would make an anonymous call to your insurance company.  I'm pretty sure if you haven't been seen or diagnosed by a doctor already, and you get new insurance, it's hard to prove or say it is a preexisting condition, but I could be wrong.  Good luck!

[BarbOver40]

Thanks for the advice.  I ended up contacting Human Resources at my company and asking them. Good news, as long as I had previous insurance(at least 10 months of coverage, which I do), they can not deny me for any reason...even pre-existing conditions, like pregnancy!
So, I will make an appointment sooner and feel comfortable knowing I will be covered no matter what! :)

Thanks,
Barb

[alikat1205]

as long as you don't have a lapse in coverage, hippaa protects you (insurance portability).  it isn't pre-existing, unless your coverage with your husband actually lapses before being covered by the new insurance.  so if you have to pay the COBRA for a month or two, even though it is exorbitant, you will have to do it to make sure there is no lapse.

[SoCalTricia]

Well, you guys had it covered...I was going to say that, by law, if you were covered previously for a certain amount of months, then your new insurance has to cover you. For example, my husband had knee surgery in January. He had his insurance through his union...but he had to go on disability and wasn't working, so we paid for COBRA for a month, then added him to MY insurance. Because he was covered already, my insurance picked up the physical therapy and follow-up costs of his surgery. Anyway...long story...but, yes, you should be fine!

Tricia

[BarbOver40]

Thanks for all your advice.  I feel much more comfortable knowing I will be covered, if hubby loses his job!

Barb

[YvetteY]

if you have no lapse in coverage your pregnancy won't be considered preexisting.   Make sure you get and/or ask for your HIIPAA certificate you will need this for your next insurance carrier.   Also if the insurance company is an HMO or PPO you may not even be subject to preex benefits.