Question about insurance change during the middle of treatment?

MiniMacsMom

So, I will preface this with no horror stories about company sales. I am already freaked out enough.  The hubby's division of his company is up for sale.  What we were thinking was going to take a few years looks to be over in June or July (right during the middle of my rads).  If the company changes can they change my insurance (if they keep my hubby...) or is insurance a yearly contracted thing.  Also, if I am travelling for treatment and they change the insurance and the facilitys isn't covered, can they make me stop and change mid treatment?  sorry for the questions but this unknown stuff freaks me out.  I am much better know the info. 

I am hoping and praying that right now they sale to a company that doesn't lay everyone off... and doesn't move everyone right away.  YIKES.  I guess there are two major bidders and we don't know anything about them on our end. 

lago

I have switched insurances 3 times during treatment. My doctors/treatment center were all on the plan except for my PS. PS was out of network and I knew that from the start. 1st insurance covered great even for out of network (Cobra). 2nd not great. My current one has such a high deductable that lets say I'm glad I'm done other than check ups.

I suppose it's going to be a wait and see. If you are on a PPO then chances are you'll be fine. I've never been on an HMO so I don't know how that works. Hopefully someone else can give you info. Also call your local American Cancer Society. They have loads of information.

If your husband does get laid off you will be offered cobra. TAKE IT. It might seem pricy but it is cheaper than paying without health insurance… way cheaper.

glostagirl

On their web-sites, most states have a division of insurance, you can start checking for your rights there.  This may answer some of your questions about whether a new insurance company could make you switch caregivers in the middle of a treatment plan. Very often they cannot if you're in active treatment, but this does vary by state or plan.  Does your insurance have a website?  I have BCBS and their site is very informative, my policy and deductible, and the companies medical policy is all accessible online.  

Also, do you have a paper copy of your original policy from the insurance co or the company your husband works for? This document should detail if it's open enrollment or yearly.  If it's through an insurance company or is a self-funded company plan will make a difference as well.  You could look into keeping your current insurance on COBRA and switch later.  But don't panic, the new insurance could be better than what you currently have.  It's possible.  

Bottom line, knowledge is power.  We often don't read our policies until we have to because we've been denied or are in jeopardy of losing coverage, good luck!