Healthcare Shopper Adviceadvice/tag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://62008-11-17T20:21:29ZAnswers to Your Questions About Health InsuranceMovable Type 3.35Preexisting Conditions and COBRAtag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4392008-11-17T19:54:06Z2008-11-17T20:21:29ZQuestion: My husband has been offered a job with a good company.They have offered to pay for cobra for the 90 day waiting period until his new insurance kicks in. My question is, my husband is in pain managment where...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question: My husband has been offered a job with a good company.They have offered to pay for cobra for the 90 day waiting period until his new insurance kicks in. My question is, my husband is in pain managment where he gets steriod shots and is administered medications from a previous back surgery over a year ago. I myself have high blood pressure.This new insurance company United Health Care, has told me that he must be evaluated by the underwriters to see if they will cover these preexisting conditions,if he denied we will be out of luck. Is there anything that we can do, or any resouce that we can contact to get information. Thank You]]>
Answer: I'm going to have to redefine your question because you have intorduced complications by mentioning COBRA.
1. The only way your husband can qualify for COBRA coverage would be from a previous job where he had group coverage. If he is within 62 days of leaving that coverage, he may qualify for COBRA coverage. If that is the case, his preexisting health conditions do not matter. He can be covered.
2. More likely, his new employer is offering to pay for individual health insurance for your husband and you during the group waiting period. Based on what you have told me about his health history, UnitedHealthcare will probably offer your husband individual health insurance with an exclusion for any care regarding his back. That might be the best you can do for the next three months.]]>
Continuation of MediGap Coveragetag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4342008-10-24T13:55:01Z2008-10-24T18:55:07ZQuestion: I am retired and on Medicare with a BC/BS Medigap policy which continues to be administered by my former employer. I pay about $100/month for this coverage. If my previous employer discontinues this insurance, will I have the same...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question: I am retired and on Medicare with a BC/BS Medigap policy which continues to be administered by my former employer. I pay about $100/month for this coverage. If my previous employer discontinues this insurance, will I have the same COBRA-HIPPA options for continuation of the MediGap coverate that apply in layoff situations to persons who are not yet eligible for Medicare?]]>
Answer: No. HIPAA laws do not apply to Medicare Supplement insurance. You will have the option to continue your Medigap policy, by taking over payment of the entire premium.]]>
Layoff of Person with Uninsurable Dependenttag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4332008-10-24T13:49:08Z2008-10-24T18:53:34ZQuestion: A number of years ago, we had a layoff from my long time employer; only one of the senior staff remained. That person has an autistic child. Recently, I have been told that he could not be terminated because...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question: A number of years ago, we had a layoff from my long time employer; only one of the senior staff remained. That person has an autistic child. Recently, I have been told that he could not be terminated because he had an uninsurable dependent. Is that true?]]>
Answer: From my expertise in health insurance, I would say no. I have never seen a situation where an employee could not be terminated because of their health or a dependents health.
Having said that, you should ask an employment lawyer.]]>
Individual Health Insurance for wifetag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4322008-10-23T18:29:00Z2008-10-23T22:40:09ZQuestion: I have recently changed jobs where the health insurance is very cheap for me but very expensive to add my wife. I'd like to get a private plan for her, but she takes several medications that could make it...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question: I have recently changed jobs where the health insurance is very cheap for me but very expensive to add my wife. I'd like to get a private plan for her, but she takes several medications that could make it prohibitive. Is there some obvious option for this situation? She's otherwise healthy and I would consider high deductibles.]]>
Answer: Unfortunately, there is no obvious option for your wife. If she cannot qualify for individual health insurance because of preexisting medical conditions (her prescription medications), your only option is to enroll her on your employers group health plan.]]>
Income Too High to Qualify for State Childrens' Health Insurancetag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4312008-09-18T13:28:16Z2008-09-18T21:49:16ZQuestion: I am a single parent with a job that does qualify my children for all kids coverage under the guidelines, however, when you add my child support into our income, we have too much. My shopping around is getting...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question: I am a single parent with a job that does qualify my children for all kids coverage under the guidelines, however, when you add my child support into our income, we have too much. My shopping around is getting us nowhere fast, insurance comparable to bcbs is ranging from $590.00-$900.00 a month. What can you suggest? I really had hoped that bcbs all kids would cover them.Thank you.
If one or more of your children are still infants, purchase health insurance for the infant only. That child will need to see the doctor frequently for well-baby visits and is more at risk for minor illnesses than your older children. Buy a plan thet covers preventive care and doctor visits for a copay for that child. It will cost you about $100 monthly. If that's all you can do right now. So be it.
Let's say one of your children has a chronic illness - like Asthma. That condition could lead to a very expensive emergency room visit. You could cover that child with a low-cost high-deductible health insurance plan for about $60 per month. If he or she has an emergency room visit without insurance, your cost might be $25,000, with cheap insurance your portion might be as low as $2,000. If that's all you can do, just do it.
You can insure all your children against the most expensive risks (hospitalization) for a lot less money than you mentioned - $590 minimum (assuming you don't have 10 kids.) You were probably looking at plans that cover doctor visits, diagnostic exams, etc. These are not high-dollar expenses and health insurance plans that include them are too expensive for you. Check locally for "free clinics" or low cost community clinics that can provide your kids with treatment of minor illnesses and immunizations.
Hope this helps.
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Denied for Kaiser Permanente Individual Health Insurancetag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4292008-09-05T02:11:20Z2008-09-05T18:35:03ZQuestion: My mom is currently insured under COBRA/CAL-COBRA (which expires Oct. 1, 2008). She applied for the "Kaiser Permanente Individuals and Families" health care coverage and was denied coverage. The reasons being: she has High Cholesterol, was diagnosed with tendonitis...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question: My mom is currently insured under COBRA/CAL-COBRA (which expires Oct. 1, 2008). She applied for the "Kaiser Permanente Individuals and Families" health care coverage and was denied coverage. The reasons being: she has High Cholesterol, was diagnosed with tendonitis of the shoulder and bursitis of the hip (she gets steroid injections to relieve the pain) and was diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with surgery performed on the left hand in April 2007. Can you please suggest an affordable health coverage plan that will not deny her? She is 64 and will be 65 in 2009.]]>
Answer: Your Mom qualifies for HIPAA guaranteed coverage provided she has exhausted her CAL-COBRA coverage. HIPAA coverage is offered by most insurance carriers. HIPAA guaranteed plans are usually lighter on benefita and higher than standard rates, but she cannot be denied coverage regardless of her health. Given that she has a year or less until she 's covered by Medicare, it's a no brainer.]]>
Need cheap birth control pillstag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4282008-09-04T20:14:27Z2008-09-04T20:50:14ZQuestion: I'm 21, and just moved out of state and am not on my moms health insurance anymore because im taking a semester off school. Is there anyway I can get health insurance so I can afford cheaper birthcontrol?...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question: I'm 21, and just moved out of state and am not on my moms health insurance anymore because im taking a semester off school. Is there anyway I can get health insurance so I can afford cheaper birthcontrol?]]>
Answer: If you are only concerned with the cost of your birth control pills, you don't need to buy health insurance. Get a prescription from your doctor for generic birth control pills. Ask for a 90 day supply per refill. Then go to Wal-Mart or Wallrgeens (there may be other discount sources but I know these for sure) to fill the prescription. You will pay $12 for a 3 month supply.]]>
Court Ordered Medical Coveragetag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4252008-08-14T20:48:15Z2008-08-14T23:29:51ZQUESTION: I am required by court order to provide insurance for my child. Do I have to go on my group's policy or can I just enroll my child?...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
QUESTION: I am required by court order to provide insurance for my child. Do I have to go on my group's policy or can I just enroll my child?
ANSWER: It's possible that a court could specify that you use your employer group policy to cover your dependent child. However, that would be exceptional. We have many clients who cover their children on individual health insurance policies to satisfy a court order.
Uninsurable after Cancertag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4192008-06-19T16:04:13Z2008-10-24T18:56:17ZTwo questions: I had a sarcoma cancer removed 7 yrs. ago and have tried to get life insurance (additional to my small policy with my employer) but have been denied. Will I ever be insurable? I'm a state employee of...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Two questions: I had a sarcoma cancer removed 7 yrs. ago and have tried to get life insurance (additional to my small policy with my employer) but have been denied. Will I ever be insurable?
I'm a state employee of 20+ yrs. with 2 children and the possiblity of a layoff, which would cancel my current health and life insurance. Would we as a family (children & husband) be eligible for health insurance? And would we be required to have physicals as I did with the life insurance application? Thank you...
Answer: As far as health insurance goes, you will be insurable once you have 10 years free of sarcoma symptoms or treatment. I don't know what the underwriting guidelines are for life insurance.
If you should loose your group health insurance, you will qualify for COBRA coverage for 18 months. Take it. You will have no other options at that time. Your children and husband could qualify for individual health insurance based on their individual health conditions. Unless they are rated up due to prexisting conditions, the individual health insurance will be cheaper for them than COBRA. When your COBRA coverage expires, you will qualify for guaranteed issue coverage under the HIPAA laws. If you choose not to take the COBRA when you are eligible, you will also loose your HIPAA option. Once 10 years has passed since you had the sarcoma, you may then qualify for health insurance at a lower rate than the HIPAA guaranteed coverage.
Sound dismal?. Not really. You're lucky. If you had no group health insurance right now, all of your COBRA and HIPAA guaranteed options would be off the table. If you loose your job, you will have health insurance options, even if your coverage will be more expensive than it would be without the sarcoma history.
Daughter turning 19 in a few monthstag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4172008-06-03T18:49:29Z2008-10-24T18:57:21ZQuestion: BCBS of Illinois only covers dependent children until 19 years of age. I need to find health coverage with bi-polar, personality disorder, PTS and takes meds. She currently is not employeed....Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question: BCBS of Illinois only covers dependent children until 19 years of age. I need to find health coverage with bi-polar, personality disorder, PTS and takes meds. She currently is not employeed.
HealthcareShopper's Risk Pool page.]]>
Insurable?tag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4162008-05-31T05:36:17Z2008-06-02T19:55:29ZQuestion: My parents keep telling me that they are uninsurable because my mom has diabetes and my dad has high blood pressure. They are 58 and 62 and would like to retire, but need health coverage. Other they would both...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question: My parents keep telling me that they are uninsurable because my mom has diabetes and my dad has high blood pressure. They are 58 and 62 and would like to retire, but need health coverage. Other they would both like to lose a few pounds, I don't think either would be considered overweight.
BMI would have to be 28 or less. The number and cost of medications will be a factor as well
The additional risk factors for your dad's hypertension includes: smoking, cholesterol, weight, age, overall number of medications.
But every case is unique, so have them give me a call at 800-557-5693 and I'll try to help them .]]>
Denied medical insurance because of weighttag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4062008-04-12T20:09:15Z2008-04-14T19:18:03ZQuestion: my question is bcuz of my weight which I have no health problems. I was denied health insurance. Thank you Tina...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question: my question is bcuz of my weight which I have no health problems. I was denied health insurance. Thank you Tina
Answer: You are too heavy in relationship to your height to get health insurance. While you may be healthy now, you are statistically more likely to have expensive health problems in the future. That's why you were denied coverage.
Daughter denied health insurancetag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4032008-03-01T05:48:03Z2008-03-04T22:51:08ZQuestion: My daughter was covered under my health insurance until she turned 23 years old. I elected to buy Cobra, hoping that she would eventually get insurance when she graduated from college & found a job. She is working full-time...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question: My daughter was covered under my health insurance until she turned 23 years old. I elected to buy Cobra, hoping that she would eventually get insurance when she graduated from college & found a job. She is working full-time for the federal government, but doesn't receive health benefits (she is considered a seasonal employee). Because Cobra is so expensive, I contact PacifiCare directly for insurance. (We signed up with Cobra and simply continued with PacifiCare as the provider).
She was just denied coverage because she has been taking Lexapro since she was a teenager. I never that it would be an issue. She saw a psychiatrist 5 times when she was 17 years old. The psychiatrist told me that my daughter has a chemical imbalance and may need to always take meds to regulate the imbalance. My daughter is not bio-polar or suicidal. She graduated cum laude from college and has an active social life. As I said, I never thought in this day and age a drug for depression would keep her from obtaining insurance. Is it considered a pre-existing condition even though she has been covered by PacifiCare for 10 years? (The last 1 ½ years through Cobra, but her health carrier is PacifiCare).
Would it have been better for her to lie and cover the drug expense herself? I know you don’t recommend lying, but what will happen in the future if she is offered employment? She is being responsible and taking care of a chemical imbalance and yet she’ll be penalized for being truthful.
Answer: Lexapro for depression and/or anxiety is not a condition that most carriers will automaticly decline an application for health insurance. Please have your daughter call our office at 800-557-5693 so that we can help her get coverage.
Privacy of you info when applyingtag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.4022008-03-01T00:58:34Z2008-03-04T22:44:00ZQuestion: What are the guidelines for privacy when applying? Is information submitted for application of Insurance protected?...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question: What are the guidelines for privacy when applying? Is information submitted for application of Insurance protected?
Answer: Rest assured, the personal information you enter on an online health insurance application is secure. When you enter your information and press the "Submit" button, your browser first will communicate with the health insurance carriers' server to establish a secured, encrypted connection. This is sometimes referred to as a "handshake." Once this connection is established, the data is then sent via secure means to the carriers' web server. We use 128-bit encryption, the highest encryption available to most browsers, with a public key length of 1,024 bits. This provides the necessary security and privacy our customers expect.
denied health insurancetag:www.healthcareshopper.com,2008://6.3962008-01-20T19:03:10Z2008-03-10T21:11:21ZQuestion: Three years ago I was denied BCBS coverage. Can I ever get coverage again?...Phil Daiglehttp://www.healthcareshopper.com/blog/2006/08/about_phil_daigle.html
Question:
Three years ago I was denied BCBS coverage. Can I ever get coverage again?
Anwser:
Possibly. I depends on the reason(s) you were declined 3 years ago. If you'd like to call my office at 800-557-5693. One of our health insurance experts should be ablt to answer your question if not immediately, certainly within 24 hours.