Ok Whats The Deal With Getting Insurance

Self employed can get insurance through local chamber of commerce and you are, I think, ok unless you allow your insurance to skip- at least here in ny.  There are big changes on the horizon in health care reform as well - email me if you want me to help you look into it.

Hi Jen,

I would go to an insurance agency that specializes in small businesses.  You don't have to mention anything about your treatment, at least not for this initial meeting.  I think you need to know about how to set this up first.  You also need to know if you can offer this to extended employees who do contract work for you.  So a lot more than just the Cobra/coverage question.

I think before you make this call, scoping out your business needs and preparing for growth would be helpful.

Good luck. - Claire

I think the "pre-existing" condition is already off the table or so I thought.  Claire's suggestion about talking to an agent is a good idea.

Jen, I've been researching the NC high risk pool. The premiums are  reasonable...lower than my private insurance premiums and the plan has more preventative/screening benefits. There are also some premium subsidies available. The problem is the NC plan has a $1million lifetime cap which apparently doesn't fall under the new legislation prohibiting lifetime caps. I am really upset about this...what's the point in offering a stage 3 cancer patient insurance coverage with a $1mil. lifetime cap?  I plan to bring this to the attention of  our WNC Congressman Heath Shuler. It would be helpful if Congress and the NC legislature heard about this from all over the state.  Regarding the new federal high risk pool, rates are even more affordable and subsidies are available but you have to have been without insurance for 6 months to qualify. What a way to promote continuity of care!

I wish you success in making the transition....manuvering through the insurance company hoops can be frustrating and discouraging.  Maybe we can learn from your experience. 

I ended up having to join the MN high risk pool.  No individual medical insurance will take me because of the cancer.  One agent told me that stage 3 and 4 are permanantly declined.  So, I pay 235 a month for a $10,000 deductable.  It was a huge eye opener for me. 

It's also why I threatened to move in with Kerry

Lago, do you still have rads to go through?  If so, I can certainly see why you would want the much lower deductable.  I went with the super high deducatable as $700 is not an option for me and I'm past the active treatment stage.  I'm also not planning on this being my insurance for longer than a few months.  So, I just need to keep DS and I healthy so we don't have to try to wittle away at $10,000

I still have herceptin and phase 2 & 3 of reconstruction to do. I  also had 1 more chemo in Janurary and was doing physical therapy although that is done. Started this insurance in January and have already met the deductable. No Rads though.

HIPPA/No gap only applies if you are going from one group plan to another. If you are trying to get individual insurance gap or no gap they can refuse you and/or your pre-existing condition. This will change in 2014 when (and if) Obama care is in place.

I am in the same boat I have my own company my Cobra will be out in six months so I am going to get a group coverage plan, but you have to have two or more people for that. I think for me it is cheaper than HIPPA or the high risk pool.