 Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 2:59 pm Post subject: |
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Kay . . . under the provisions of HIPAA, you will be eligible for "Guaranteed Issue" coverage from any health insurer of your choosing at the expiration of your COBRA continuation, but you must apply within 62 days of the termination date (you can also apply in advance, so that you have no gap in coverage). A GI policy may not provide all of the benefits you are looking for, but you cannot be declined for it due to your cancer experience. Benefits vary from one company to another, so you are best advised to seek an agent who can help you find the best coverage at the right price. The Internet, while convenient, is not always the best resource. For many people, it is too impersonal when it comes to insurance.
If you are more than 1 year beyond your last treatments when you apply, most companies would not decline you for more comprehensive coverage, but still might rate you substandard, which means a higher premium. You can always request reconsideration for a standard rating in the future, usually not more often than once a year.
If you are in California, there is also "Cal-Cobra" which would allow you to extend your continuation coverge for a maximum of 36 months from first eligibility. That would give you another 18 months, but still leave you about 18 months short of Medicare. Again, if a California resident, it's an option. It would continue your present coverage with your present carrier, but the premium could be as much as 150% of the employer's cost, which might not be very appealing to you.
So, if you are in California, I can assist you to find appropriate coverage or help you with navigating the Cal-Cobra landscape -- most employees and many employers are unaware of it because they have always had worked for or been companies with more than 20 employees, and no one has ever presented a Cal-Cobra request. I represent five of the most well-known HMO/PPO carriers in the state, all ones I respect and trust. I wouldn't do business with any other kind of company. All have HSA/HDHP offerings, too. You can send me a PM for more information.
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California-licensed Property & Casualty Broker-Agent and Life & Health Agent. CA Insurance License #0596197. Send me your questions, and I'll send you my answers. I live, breathe, and teach insurance! |
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MaxHerr
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