 Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2011 4:24 pm Post subject: confused during cancer treatment!! help! |
|
|
I'm 29 and have been battling breast cancer for a few months. I live in California with my fiance. I have good health insurance through my job at the moment..the problem is we are trying to move back to our home state of Washington in the next few months where my fiance will take the bar and has a promised job. This has been our plan since I moved down here last year. The brunt of my treatment will be over before we leave so I will just be doing screenings and checkups once we are home. Nothing like chemo or radiation after we move.
So here is my problem...I'm trying to figure out how I can move back home without having a lapse in coverage. COBRA, Hippa? Another confusing factor, In reference to COBRA My employer has over 100 employees but not all in CA..they are spread over several states. There are probably about 15 in CA state. Does this matter? I have no idea where to start or what resources to use to find good reliable answers. I know there are all kinds of issues with pre existing conditions and getting insurance and I dont know if moving states will effect my eligibility for things like COBRA. I cant get on my fiances plan..he just has an individual plan from when he was a student. I will be able to get on his companies plan but not for several months after moving home. I'm just scared of being uninsured and I want to make sure I have everything in order before moving. Any answers would be greatly greatly appreciated!!! Or just pointing me in the direction of good websites etc. Thanks!! |
|
goldenmean
New member
Joined: 03 Jul 2011
Posts: 1
1.24 Dollars($)
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 6:51 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: | | I have no idea where to start or what resources to use to find good reliable answers. I know there are all kinds of issues with pre existing conditions and getting insurance and I dont know if moving states will effect my eligibility for things like COBRA. |
Continuation of group health coverage COBRA is federal law, so it applies to all of the states and territories/possessions of the US. There is no discussion of preexisting conditions under COBRA and your right to continue the group insurance at the group rate by paying 100% of the cost (+ up to 2% for administrative expenses).
The only complicating matter is that of your residency. If your employer has employees in WA state, then you should not have a problem invoking your privilege to continue under COBRA. With employees in multiple states, it is quite possible that your employer is not insured at all, but is operating a self-funded plan of health coverage, which is entirely in your favor. Nothing will change, except for the fact that you may have to begin paying for your coverage.
If not, then you should speak to your employer's benefits person and ask them for a determination from the insurance company as to what your continuation privilege will be after you move to WA.
As for coverage under your fiancee's plan, after you are married, if his coverage is in force, you should be eligible for immediate acceptance into his plan as his new spouse. Your preexisting condition could be an excludable condition, since HIPAA probably does not apply to non-employer sponsored coverage.
_________________
CA-licensed P&C Broker-Agent and Life Agent. CA Insurance Lic #0596197. Now investigating insurance company abuses, and providing litigation support and expert witness services. Send me your questions, and I'll send you my answers. |
|
MaxHerr
Moderator
Joined: 29 Nov 2009
Posts: 4618
Location: Pomona CA
208.83 Dollars($)
|
