Switching jobs after breast cance4r

Kellyd0613

I am a 2 time breast cancer survivor.  BRCA1 ...I feel blessed to have survived this disease so far and am looking to switch jobs.  Life is short, it makes me realize that I don't want the spend the rest of my life in a job I don't enjoy.  My questions is:  Will I be able to get health insurance with a new employer?  I am a single mom and carry the coverage for myself and my 2 children.  Do I need to tell any prospective employers of my health history?  Will the breast cancer be considered a pre-existing condition?  Any help would be appreciated....thank you

LisaAlissa

Yes, if your new employer has group insurance for employees, you should be able to get it.  

No, you absolutely don't have to tell a prospective employer about your health history--and shouldn't!

Generally, if you sign up for the insurance as soon as it's offered, a pre-existing condition clause won't apply to you.  That's something to inquire about after you've accepted an offer of employment.

Just a few quick thoughts...best wishes on your job hunt!

LisaAlissa

thefuzzylemon

Kelly...here's what I've been told or experienced:

You never have to disclose health information.

Any health insurance provider can and usually will deny you coverage unless you are NED for 5 years. Or....your premiums will be insane...

I couldn't even get a life insurance policy for my small business!

now, there may be exceptions, but I would find out who the insurance is through and call the plan directly...

naturalhorse

Kelly,

HIPPA covers portability of insurance.  There should be a period of "open enrollment" with a new employer's policy during which you have guaranteed acceptance.  If you have had 'credible coverage' for a certain peiod of time, without a lapse in coverage, you should be able to get covered under a new group policy.

I know there are people here that know more of the details and read back through this subject for more information.  

kc 

Fearless_One

You will be able to get coverage under a "group" policy.   I would seek a large employer (over 50 employees), as small operations are not subject to the same laws as larger ones (for FMLA, etc).  There is just more security with a large employer when you have had cancer.

You absolutely should not tell them your medical history.  It's no one's business but yours.

shore1

Generally, if you maintained uninterrupted coverage, either thru another employers group plan, cobra, or private, you cannot be denied coverage under HIPPA. If there is a pre existing condition clause in the new policy, it can only go back 6 months, but you can apply other coverage to that period (such as cobra or prior employment coverage). Many large employers don't even have the clause in their policies. Any break in coverage cannot have been for more than 63 days. HIPPA site has a good FAQ page you might want to check out. You do not have to disclose health issues, and certainly no employer can ask.

dreaming

No, unless specifically ask, I recommend to go to a website: cancer and careers.

 I did not mention my cancer in my application to the first job I had after dx.

When the insurance is offered  the first time sign asap, if one waits and then signs usually has to list pre conditions.

It is also better not to mention later at work if one plans to grow in the place of work, there is discrimination toward cancer survivors, for scholarships, promotions.

Even that is against the law,it is impossible to prove.

Loy

i am also having this problem right now...i will be on my 6th year now as a survivor and would like to find another job...I just dont know who to start or where to look for a new one...I am also having doubts if they will still hire me I am no longer happy with the current company I am working with... some co workers dont understand some limitations I have...sorry...just feeling so down now

 thank you for any advise you can give me....