Re: How to qualify with pre existing conditions for health insurance.

[Guest guest]

This isn't true in IL - Ins laws vary from state to state - be careful. You may

get accepted, but at the time the ins co has to pay out on a claim, especially a

large one, they will go back & sift thru your medical records to find a minor

symptom & claim this was a pre-existing condition & refuse payment.

In IL they can reject you & then other ins co. use the rejection to reject you

again & again. It's a nasty, nasty business.

In IL, they have a federally mandated, state run program called ICHIP - IL

Comprehensive Health Ins Program. It's for those who cannot find ins elsewhere

for whatever reason. The only kick is it is very expensive. I'm in this program

& we just got another premium increase- just about $1,000/month. It takes about

half our monthly income. My husband is on disability & get medicare - he's in a

medicare advantage plan - his total cost is $170/month. We both get IVIG for

the mold damage (CIDP) they only difference is that his pays promptly with no

arguing about coverage. I am constantly arguing with BC/BS (they administer

ICHIP for the state) as they stop & start approval for the treatment. The

provider is usually about 4-6 months behind in getting paid. I would happily

pay into Medicare for the great coverage.

I know of a young lady in CA that has been refused coverage for having a bladder

infection 2 yrs ago that took 2 rounds of antibiotics instead of one. Her dad is

a doc & has tried everything to get coverage for her.

>

>

> I've been told to seek out a knowledgeable independent agent,

> and shop for a good one, not just the first one, who knows how

> to write up your applications (apply to all of them, 5 to 6, at the

> same time, so you can check the box: I have not previously

> applied in the last 2 years).

>

> The trick to existing conditions is to state:

>

> I have managed the symptoms for __________ for the last ## years.

> These symptoms have been reduced or eliminated: list of symptoms.

>

> Or similar. Have a pro agent write it up for you. Why would they

> do this? They earn money by getting you accepted. A part of

> each monthly payment goes to them. Their commission.

>

> Why apply to many? So, at least one accepts you. In fact, all

> must accept you, at least in California, you can not be declined.

> But they can refer you to a more risky plan, more expensive,

> and accept you under that plan.

>

> Point is, in all, all, aspects of the application, if you can show

> you are a " health nut " , and doing everything right that you can,

> they want to insure you.

>

> Can they " deny " you typical benefits, only if it's not a new symptom,

> that is, it's not one of your " managed symptoms " . If it's a new

> symptom for an existing ailment, they must cover it, at least

> in California, I have been told. YMMV.

>

> Ask an agent. Ask many, if you really want insurance.

>

> BTW, direct insurance from the provider is cheapest, but has more

> limitations, than plans offered from a free agent. More expensive

> plans are from " associations " like retirement, business, etc.

> The most expensive appears to be from employers. Go figure.

>

> The direct plan has no agent to fight for you.

> An agent who gets a commission may fight for you on individual

> coverage items. A good agent wins most of the time. As he

> knows the ropes, and knows how to earn their commission.

>

> Good luck.

>