How hard will it be getting insurance when we move out of state?

Char2010

Mcc - The Cancer Legal Resourse Center is a non-profit that provides free advice and education. You can reach them via: www.CancerLegalResourceCenter.org or 866-843-2572 or email CLRC@LLS.edu. I recently listened to a conferene call hosted by them and the speaker advised checking out the government's website www.HealthCare.gov for those having trouble locating medical coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Good luck - I understand your desire to be close to family.

Liz08

Mcc- you're not an idiot, the insurance companies have higly trained attornies manipulating their rules & the law on their side. It's very complex.  I would also suggest calling the department of insurance of the state you are looking to move to, to help you find out your options & rights.  

mccrimmon324

Hey Ladies,

This doesn't have anything to do with out of state insurance but since all of you were so helpful I thought someone might know.  Hubby got a letter from his employer asking for "proof of marriage", he needs to send in a copy of his marriage cert by May or I will be dropped from his plan.  Does this sound valid?  We've had that insurance for almost 7 years now and it's never been requested before. 

Still planning on moving, will be leaving on vacation in about 2 weeks and will start the "moving" plan once we get back. 

Any input is greatly appreciated! 

mccrimmon324

bump

NevadaPaula

My comany did a nation wide audit of their health insurance policies for the employees. We had to show birth certificates, and in some cases marriage certificates to justify those who were enrolled for coverage. A lot of fraud was uncovered.  Ex spouces for instance were left in coverage long after a divorce, or family friends were listed. Over 10,000 people found to be on the health care coverage nation wide illegally. Many people lost their jobs because of this. Retired Bell System  Employee.

mccrimmon324

Thank you NevadaPaula, that does make me feel a little better.  I just don't want my hubby pushed out of his job because I got sick. 

mccrimmon324

Ladies,

HIPAA says

Preexisting Conditions, Job Changes, and General Protections

Can a plan deny benefits for chronic illnesses or injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer using a preexisting condition exclusion?

It depends on whether you received medical advice, care, diagnosis, or treatment within the 6 months prior to enrolling in a new employer's plan. If you did, you can be subject to a preexisting condition exclusion.

If I look at my scenario, I had my last chemo on 9/27/11, since then I've only had follow-up appts.  I'm TN so there is no tamoxifen or hecepin for me.  So am I out of the 6 month time frame?  Or do my follow up appts count ?

Chickadee

Given the language you copied it would sure seem you continue to receive medical advice and care.

mccrimmon324

Thanks Chickadee, I guess it was wishfull thinking on my part. 

Druanne

Interesting to read all of this stuff! I never thought much about insurance until my BC......only went to yearly check ups..........I just turned 42 and think I have been to the doctor more in the last 6 months than in my entire life! I am getting divorced and am concerned about my health insurance.....we are self employed and have been paying for our own for the last 10 years......my husband is the primary.......I wonder if we can just "split" from the policy and continue having the same insurance only as individuals.........definitely something to ask my insurance guy......

mccrimmon324

Druanne,

I'm sorry to hear about your divorce and I know nothing about insurance but I would think you won't have much of a problem.  Again, I'm really thick when it comes to this stuff though.

Druanne

Thank you.......it has been a long time coming Yeah, I don't know much about this stuff either 'cept it costs a WHOLE lot!!  

marina1963

I am a 6 year stage IIIC BC survivor and just recently I've been denied coverage

by United Healthcare and BCBS even I've been in remisson for 6 yrs and

haven't had any treatment for cancer since I finished with my initial treatment.

The good thing about the denial letter from United Healthcare is that they gave

me this website: pcip.gov and just going on this site I found out that people

With pre-existing conditions that have a lapse in coverage of 6 months or more

can get insurance and there is no waiting period. This is for the transition period

Until Obama healthcare will take effect. The coverage varies from state to state

but no matter what state you live in you can get coverage even with pre existing

condition.If you go on pcip.gov, you will find how to apply,the cost,etc.

mccrimmon324

marina, may I ask what your circumstrances were?  Were you currently enrolled with them and they just changed their mind?

marina1963

I've moved from NY to AZ 6 months ago and my private insurance from. NY

state is not accepted in AZ and I have been left without insurance.

It took me a while to get a job here and this company I am with (neither my

Husband's) does not give health benefits,so I've started looking for individual

Ins,but no luck...They tell me I have to wait 10 years...that is ridiculous.

Anyways,I am applying for this government sponsored insurance for people

With pre-existing conditions and hopefully I will get coverage from May.

It is not bad,the premium is 240/month for AZ and it will cover me from the first day.

Well,your case may be different,but my cancer was too advancec,as they said,

Though not metastatic.

mccrimmon324

Thank you sharing.  We've actually got moving dates now.  I will move next month on the 6th to PA, our insurance is thru my husbands work.  He will continue to live/work in FL until I get a job w/benefits.  I'm hopefull that since we currently have group insurance and there will be no lapse in coverage I will be able to get group insurance at a new job.  I am also hopefull that I will find a job rather quickly.  I have already sent my resume to a temp agency, the one that actually got me my job down here in Florida 7 years ago, I remember being told they offered insurance thru their agency, I hope that is still the case. 

Your new premium does sound reasonable, I'm glad to hear you got coverage.  It seems so unfair, we pay into it for years, then when we need it most we are denied. 

May I ask why the move for NY to AZ?   

marina1963

Heather,



I wish you all the best,especially in finding a new job.

We've moved to AZ because of the dry climate here.Both I and my hubby

Had serious bone pain due to the very humid weather in NY and now

We really feel the difference. It gets very hot for about 4 months in the summer,but the

Rest of the year is very nic weather wise. And he cost of living is lower

Compare to NYC.But I do miss the NYC...Again,all the best for you.