Securing insurance after leaving job

[JeffreyS]

I recently had an I/O and was diagnosed with stage 1 embrynal cell carcinoma. Not unexpectedly, it's caused a bit of a re-evaluation of what I'm doing with my life. As such, I am thinking of leaving my job and becoming self-employed. My questions to put out there are: 1) Does anyone know what my situation would end up being re insurance, i.e. I think I can get COBRA for a period of time, but would I then have trouble, or complete impossibility of getting new insurance while I am in the process of "surviellance"; and 2) does anyone know of any good websites that discuss this issue or COBRA in general.

thanks,
jeffreyS

[dadmo]

jeffrey:
Welcome to the forums, and I'm sorry for what happened to you but you will be ok. I can't help you with any of your questions but other will ceretainly jump in and help help you. I just wanted to make sure that you know people weere looking. Even in the world of the sick weekends are slow. Most ipmortantly remember that the odds are on your side.

[IowaBrian]

You can continue the Cobra since that is per government rules you just have to continue the payments every month and I believe that it last 12 months but I would check on that.
New insurance might be a problem covering the current illness it most likely will be excluded for a number of months. You will need to review the policy to be sure as they are all different.
Sorry not one answer for this as it is different for every company and different rules in different states.
Brian

[IowaBrian]

Here is a link to explain the law http://www.cobrainsurance.com/COBRA_Law.htm

[JeffreyS]

Thank you to those who replied. During the day, I found 3 good sites which will will give below. The bottom line seems to be that under COBRA I get 18 mos. of continued insurance as long as I pay (at what will likely be higher rates) and the I am assured of get some continuing insurance that cannot deny me because of a "pre-existing condition" under HIPPA. The sites I found are

http://www.cobrainsurance.net/COBRA_Health_Insurance/COBRA_Insurance_Questions.htm#What%20is%20COBRA?

http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/laborlaws/l/aa031003_2.htm

http://careerplanning.about.com/cs/legalissues/a/hipaa_2.htm

Again, thanks for the replies.


jeffreyS

[IowaBrian]

Just watch out they may not be able to deny you but they could exclude from coverage prior conditions that you are currently treating for, for a period of time. The best advice it to talk to a agent the sells that type of coverage for self employed persons I work in the business and from experience get it in writing. My area isn't health insurance but from a claims stand point if it isn't in writing from the company, not the agent you won't have much to stand on if they fight you. You can sue the agent if he screwed up but that still won't get the claims paid.
Brian

[Mom]

First of all, make sure the company you are with has to comply with COBRA (provides health insurance and has over 20 employees). You are right, you are entitled to 18 months. The premium you pay can be no more than 2% above the premium your employer is charged. It will seem substantial if your employer pays most of the premium. The 2% is the "handling charge" your employer has the right to charge. Under normal conditions, under HIPAA you have portability (cannot exclude pre-existing conditions) going from one employer to another. I am not sure what happens when you are self-employed. Dianne