Can new insurance decline me?

iHEARTu

If my husband were to change jobs, can his new emplyers insurance decline me coverage because of my diagnosis? I don't know if they actually check?

Thank you!!

-catherine

horsedoc

I'm no expert, but I'm about to go through the same thing, so I've gathered information.  It might depend on laws in your state though.  In Maryland at least, as long as you have had UNINTERRUPTED coverage, they cannot deny pre-existing conditions. So no, they cannot decline you.  Where it's a problem is if your insurance from the first job runs out and you have a lapse (even days) before the other starts.  That's where a COBRA plan would need to be used.

You may need to check into laws in your state because they might be different.  I would contact the office manager or agent in charge of the insurance at the new job.

iHEARTu

HorseDoc

That does make sense, I will need to check out the MN law if that were to happen...I read something in another thread and my stomach just dropped. Ugh!! just another thing to be concerned about....*sigh*. THANK YOU for your response...anything is so helpful.
Good luck to you
-catherine

horsedoc

Good luck Catherine; I'm hoping things are on your side and MN law is similar.

I know how stressful it is to have to deal with that stuff on top of treatment and recovery.  

You are not alone!

Teresa

Jenniferz

I was diagnosed about a month before I retired from our education system in Texas. Wonderful timing. I did not opt for reconstruction at the same time, and was running into a problem. So, what they recommended me to do was to go into COBRA, then swing into the retired insurance. I had no problem because of COBRA....no interrupted coverage. You might consider doing the same thing. I never did have recons., but I would have been (and still am, but not so sure I want it now) covered.



Jennifer

mommy2two

It it my understanding that you could not be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition unless you were without insurance for  60+ days per federal law.  They don't usually check in the beginning but expect them to ask for a certificate of prior coverage sometime after signing up.  This applies to employer sponsored health plans, not individually purchased plans.  If you are concerned about a lapse in coverage then COBRA is a good but expensive option.  I quit my job and started somewhere else as a contractor not a permanent employee (no benefits) two days before my diagnosis.  This was a major concern for me so I've done my homework on all this.

Bren-2007

Usually there is a 3-month wait before you are eligible for insurance when you start a new job.  The others gals mentioned COBRA to cover you in the interim, which is a good idea.

My BF, of five years, has BC/BS.  There is a 12-month wait period if you or spouse have a preexisting condition.  I don't know how the newly signed bill would affect this.  So far, there haven't been any changes.  We would get married, but under his policy at the current time, I wouldn't be covered for 12-months.

Best of luck,

Bren