Apparently, stage DOES matter to some

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Bugs
Bugs Member Posts: 1,719
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I had put a call in to an insurance broker for some medical insurance quotes. (Obama subsidized COBRA is up in December). He left me a message saying that he spoke to some underwriters about my cancer history and if it's stage 1- it's 5 years before they will accept you; stage 2-10 years and stage 3 and 4 are declined.  WTH?


I left him a message asking what happened to the law that if you have had continuous coverage they can't deny you.  But, after some reading on the internet, that is only applicable to group coverages (ie. an employer).

I do know that I can get on some comprehensive coverage as (that's why they have this coverage according to this broker).  But..it's way more expensive for less coverage.

That message sure gave me a warm fuzzy,  though.  Something inside me just curled up in the fetal position.  I think it was HOPE.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited November 2010

    My cobra benefits are up at the end of April. I have already applied for the high risk pool insurance in Illinois. It's Blue Cross/Blue Shield. It's the same coverage as before and I'll be paying the same monthy premium (already used up the federal/Obama subsidy). The only thing that is higher is my deductable.

    Check to see if your state has a high risk pool. If not the there should be a federal one… It's not cheap but cheaper to be on it the have to pay for health care without it.  And no I don't have to be without insurance for 6 months. Call the number listed and they should be able to helpyou. Apply 2-3 months before your coverage ends.

    http://www.cobrahealth.com/statehighriskpools.html 

    http://www.healthcare.gov/law/provisions/preexisting/index.html 

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  • D4Hope
    D4Hope Member Posts: 352
    edited November 2010

    Not only do we have to deal with this horrible disease , many of us can't afford the treatments. It's just so wrong.

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited November 2010

    Ah, that explains your FB post!

    So basically they are telling you because you were Stage 3, they won't insure you? Man, you really should move to Canada, I cannot believe that.  I am so sorry you are facing this, it is awful.

    I also do not understand it. Last time I looked, Stage 3 was considered curable......

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  • Bugs
    Bugs Member Posts: 1,719
    edited November 2010

    I think that's what bothers me the most.  I know I can get in the high risk pool.  But to be declined permanantly because I'm stage 3...it was a kick in the gut.  It's like they EXPECT that I will progress. 

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited November 2010

    Same deal with long term care insurance which I am fortunately grandfathered into.  This is also good because I have a policy that they don't sell now.  I got a major deal because I checked out extremely healthy at the time, so pay 2/3 the normal premium.

    Trust me, this is one bill I make sure I pay on time.

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited November 2010

    i would search for a different more competent agent.  Ours is awesome and knows the laws and the industry inside out.

    good luck

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited November 2010

    Claire I took out long term care back in February. $33 a month! It was through the school my dad taught at. They offered it to children even though we are not dependents. I am so glad I did this when I did!

    Insurance works on statistics. They just think stage 3 is too high of a risk. Personally the idea that insurance companies can discriminate like this is so unfair. They insure smokers, granted at a higher rate but c'mon talk about health risks and costly care!

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  • SusieMTN
    SusieMTN Member Posts: 795
    edited August 2013

    High Risk pool was about 568.00 ish when I checked.  For some that is unaffordable. 

    It should be illegal to be declined or be charged such outrageous amounts. If people that have had cancer are left with no insurance it leads up to not getting check up's, things being very bad before you go the the doctor etc....  That COSTS the American people in the long run.....  It is less expensive to provide it than to wait until there is a problem.  So it makes no sense to me that we don't have health care in this wonderful nation that we live in.  It is unfortunate that we do not have a similar system in place as Canada or other counties. 

    Bugs - I am so sorry that this caused a curling up...... !   Frown

    Susie

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