DCIS and insurance

Dianna-

I have changed insurance *twice* since I was diagnosed in March.  Our insurance coverage is a group policy, through my husband's employer.  The first change was when his company was bought out, so we had to assume the parent company's benefits (they were not very good!).  About 4 months later, my husband made a job change (not only were the benefits bad, so was the new management!).  He was very clear with the HR rep where he was interviewing that I was in the middle of cancer treatment, and we needed to make sure there were no "hiccups" as far as insurance was concerned. (I had a stage of reconstructive surgery scheduled for 3 weeks after he started @ the new job...) They expedited our cards to us, so my PS could get pre-approval for my procedure.

I'm not sure if the laws vary from state-to-state? I am in CA, and as long as you have continuous coverage, you *cannot* be denied group insurance.  Only if you have a lapse in coverage (always get COBRA for transition periods!) can they label you "pre-existing".  Getting an individual policy would probably be either impossible (until you are several years out from diagnosis) or very expensive.

I hope some of this is helpful!  DO you know anyone who works in the HR or benefits field who could tell you the law for your state?

Mary

I was just diagnosed on Wednesday with DCIS.  I am in the process of applying for two other jobs.  If I should get one of the jobs, what will happen with insurance?  I live in VA.

We live in VA.  My boyfriend started with a new company in Sept.  There is a 90 day wait for his medical insurance benefits to begin.  Any pre-existing condition for which he was treated in the prior 12 months will only be covered by up to $500 for the entire first year.  It depends on your employer.  

COBRA coverage is the way to go, and it's the law that if you are currently covered through your employer and quit or are fired, they must offer you COBRA coverage. 

If you are underinsured or uninsured Virginia has the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening program which is free.  Medicaid also covers all treatment of breast cancer for the uninsured or underinsured.

Hope this helps,

Brenda in VA

I had the a similar thing but im in the UK



I gave my boss my resignation after getting a new job.

I had to give four weeks notice and was due to start my new job on the 5th of November. A week into my notice period I found the lump and the following week was told it was DCIS.

Its a large area so I have to have a mastectomy and re-con.

In the UK if you start a new job you have to complete a three month trial period, in that time you are not paid sick.

Luckily my area manager let me retract my notice (even though he knew why!)



Is that the case in the US or are you automatically covered for sick?

I would like to ask a question?  I have a seperate cancer insurance policy.  I bought this years ago and have faithfully been paying my premium each month.  Now they are giving me a difficult time about paying my claim.  I was diagnosed with DCIS, grade 3 in Feb. and had a mastectomy in March.  I have been on the phone going round and round with these people. My medical inusrance people have been great.  This other company that is carrying the cancer policy is just unbelievable.  I am about ready to take the next step.  I have not gone public with the name and all the details.  I want to talk to my lawyer and get advice first.  I would like to know if anyone else has encountered this problem.

Thanks

It has been explained to me that as long as you never go without coverage you are not considered pre-existing.  I know that with most jobs you have to complete your 90 day probation period before you are insured.  My advice is if you are leaving a job to take another be sure you ask all of the right questions, such as when your coverage will begin and if it is 90 days then take out Cobra from the job you are leaving.  The premiums will be a little high but definately worth it versus the cost of medical bills.

Stacey H.