getting insurance

me2
me2 Member Posts: 20
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am wanting to change jobs but I am afraid that I won't be able to get insurance. Can anyone tell me if they have had trouble getting coverage after having cancer?

Comments

  • dtrofgrace
    dtrofgrace Member Posts: 9
    #2
    Getting insurance can be a problem, but it depends on a number of factors. Each state has different requirements for insurers and some states are more consumer-friendly than others. There are a handful of states that restrict insurers from excluding those of us with "pre-existing conditions", but in most states only group insurance policies will accept cancer survivors, at least the first few years after dx. If you have been continuously covered for at least 18 months under a group policy, you can transfer to another group policy without losing coverage. If you get a job at a large company with group coverage, you will probably be accepted, although it might depend on the kind of policy you have now.
    It's more difficult if you are self-employed or have a job that doesn't provide coverage. In most states policies for individuals are not required to accept cancer survivors (or diabetics, etc.). Even if you are accepted, the company may attach a waiver to the policy, stipulating that cancer-related treatment will not be covered. Some states have "high-risk" pools for those who can't get insurance any other way. These are usually expensive policies, but certainly better than having no insurance.
    I was covered under my husband's insurance, but I lost coverage when he divorced me. Since I'm self-employed, I found coverage through a group plan with a national association. Unfortunately, the insurance company has cancelled the entire plan. Everyone thinks I'm crazy not to find a job with benefits, but I'm doing what I love and I don't want to give it up.
    Bottom line: Check your state laws to see what protections you have. Call your state insurance commissioner and ask about options. Find out who handles insurance at your oncologist's office and ask for advice.
    I hope this helps!

    Lynn
  • seeknpeace
    seeknpeace Member Posts: 259
    #3
    dtrofgrace said:

    Getting insurance can be a problem, but it depends on a number of factors. Each state has different requirements for insurers and some states are more consumer-friendly than others. There are a handful of states that restrict insurers from excluding those of us with "pre-existing conditions", but in most states only group insurance policies will accept cancer survivors, at least the first few years after dx. If you have been continuously covered for at least 18 months under a group policy, you can transfer to another group policy without losing coverage. If you get a job at a large company with group coverage, you will probably be accepted, although it might depend on the kind of policy you have now.
    It's more difficult if you are self-employed or have a job that doesn't provide coverage. In most states policies for individuals are not required to accept cancer survivors (or diabetics, etc.). Even if you are accepted, the company may attach a waiver to the policy, stipulating that cancer-related treatment will not be covered. Some states have "high-risk" pools for those who can't get insurance any other way. These are usually expensive policies, but certainly better than having no insurance.
    I was covered under my husband's insurance, but I lost coverage when he divorced me. Since I'm self-employed, I found coverage through a group plan with a national association. Unfortunately, the insurance company has cancelled the entire plan. Everyone thinks I'm crazy not to find a job with benefits, but I'm doing what I love and I don't want to give it up.
    Bottom line: Check your state laws to see what protections you have. Call your state insurance commissioner and ask about options. Find out who handles insurance at your oncologist's office and ask for advice.
    I hope this helps!

    Lynn

    Federal laws under HIPPA stipulate that if you are not without coverage longer than 30 days, you cannot be refused coverage as you go to a new job or plan. I have sold bridge policies that were not great plans, but, provided proof of coverage for ppl who take jobs that have longer than 30 days before coverage starts. Some companies may not cover you from day one, but, when they do, it is considered from your start date so that you do have continuous coverage.

    Most companies have a five year waiver for cancer, meaning you have been cancer free for five years.

    Personally, I have never started a job where I had to provide any of my health information for a group plan, so I would think you are not going to have a problem in that scenario...but, times they are a changin and the big dog eats the small dogs and we are the small dogs. Good luck and it may help if you post how this turns out, so others will know.

    Jan

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