One more insurance question

[Guest guest]

After looking at both benefits plans, I'm thinking that having double

coverage doesn't matter so much as being able to switch to my

husband's plan if I need to. Would there be fewer problems in making

that switch if I got on as he begins his job, versus asking to be

added later (in terms of covreage for a pre-existing condition)?

Sierra

[Guest guest]

snowdrift52003 wrote:

After looking at both benefits plans, I'm thinking that having double

coverage doesn't matter so much as being able to switch to my

husband's plan if I need to. Would there be fewer problems in making

that switch if I got on as he begins his job, versus asking to be

added later (in terms of covreage for a pre-existing condition)?

Sierra

Sierra,

You have to get the coverage when he takes the job. Usually it is

impossible to change your coverage during the coverage year unless

there is a change in family situation (divorce, partner loss of job,

marrigage, birht of first child, or death, etc.) it is not automatic.

The new law doesn't allow them to not cover a pre-existing condition.

Lynette

[Guest guest]

Hi Sierra,

It's been a crazy week, and I'm just now having a chance to catch up

on my e-mails! I'm happy to hear that your husband is getting a job

with insurance coverage (in many ways I wish mine would too, but

that's another story..........)

You have to really check out the double coverage. Some have co-

ordination of benefits as Marcia described, and others have 'non-

duplication' of benefits. That means that if the primary coverage

on you (through your work) covers 80% and the secondary coverage

would pay 85% (if it was your only coverage) all that they would pay

on your claim would be the extra 5% - they won't pay all the way up

to 100%. If that's the case, it's generally not worth having the

secondary coverage.

As for joining his plan if you don't do it now - most (but not all)

plans have an open enrollment period each year. During that time

you can add family members for any reason. Also, many plans are

required to let you come onto the plan during the year if you lose

your other coverage (like if you stop working). Check with them now

to find out if either of these situations apply to his plan. If so,

then you don't need to sign up right away. The HIPAA laws require

that they take you on his plan with no exclusion for pre-existing

conditions as long as you have had 'creditable coverage' in the

past. When you go off the insurance at your work, they'll give you

a certificate that shows the amount of time you've had coverage.

You show that to the new plan, and they have to credit that time

towards any pre-existing condition exclusion they may have.

The most important thing is to read all of the details and ask

questions if you're not sure how something works. That way there

shouldn't be any surprises down the line. Good luck getting through

the reading - it's usually pretty dull....

Take care, Beth

>

> After looking at both benefits plans, I'm thinking that having

double

> coverage doesn't matter so much as being able to switch to my

> husband's plan if I need to. Would there be fewer problems in

making

> that switch if I got on as he begins his job, versus asking to be

> added later (in terms of covreage for a pre-existing condition)?

>

> Sierra

[Guest guest]

I believe you are correct, join him in the

beginning. Most group policies do not penalize

you with the 12 month pre exsisting condition

rule if you are coming from another group. but

to be certain, you need to talk with the human

resources dept. or EVEN BETTER, get something in

writing! gentle hugs, Marcia

--- snowdrift52003 <snowdrift52003@...>

wrote:

>

> After looking at both benefits plans, I'm

> thinking that having double

> coverage doesn't matter so much as being able

> to switch to my

> husband's plan if I need to. Would there be

> fewer problems in making

> that switch if I got on as he begins his job,

> versus asking to be

> added later (in terms of covreage for a

> pre-existing condition)?

>

> Sierra

>

>

>

>

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