Changing health insurance coverage

[AstoriaQueens]

if i change jobs and eventually change health insurance, how dangerous is it that the new insurance from the new job won't accept me or won't cover my HIV related expenses? Can i be denied for pre existing condition even if i keep coverage continuously through cobra until the new coverage kicks in?

Also, how difficult is it to get ADAP in NYC?

Your input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Miss Philicia]

1) no, you won't be denied anything due to pre-existing condition(s) if there's no gap in coverage. IIRC even with the gap issue it's still OK as long as it's not more than a 2 month gap (or maybe it's 3... someone else will know)

2) as long as you meet the income criteria for ADAP it's very easy (435% of the federal poverty level for NY state).  You can read more here and download an application:

http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/resources/adap/index.htm

3) I'll assume that you live in Astoria, Queens due to your screen name.  I would highly advise going to GMHC in Manhattan (446 West 33rd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues) and registering as a client.  This will allow you access to their staff of case managers as well as other services.

http://gmhc.org/

[Inchlingblue]

I believe the gap that is allowed and still not be denied for pre-existing is 63 days.

If you have a gap greater than 63 days they can deny only up to the amount of time of your gap up to a maximum of one year. So if above and beyond 63 days you have, say, two more months with no coverage and then you get insurance they can make you wait two months.

That's basically how it works as far as I understand it. I think it's such a silly rule, I don't know who it benefits. Even the insurance companies don't really benefit because they might save a little money being able to deny people up to a year but the amount is minimal compared to their profits and they run the risk that the person will get sicker due to not having coverage so that once they get back on coverage their claims could be much higher.

LINK:

http://healthinsurance.about.com/od/healthinsurancebasics/a/preexisting_conditions_overview.htm

Re: NY ADAP, you might want to verify this (Miss P's suggestion of going to GMHC is a good one) but keep in mind that if you have money in savings (except for retirement accounts) above $25K then you wouldn't qualify so if by any chance you do have more than that maybe you can transfer it to someone you trust so it doesn't appear in your name. The good ol' USA makes one have to lie in order to stay alive. And NY ADAP is one of the more generous ADAPs so count yourself lucky.

[Miss Philicia]

keep in mind that if you have money in savings (except for retirement accounts) above $25K then you wouldn't qualify so if by any chance you do have more than that maybe you can transfer it to someone you trust so it doesn't appear in your name.

Actually it's any kind of liquid assets, so that's stocks, bonds, etc. It doesn't include things like a house/apartment.

[Inchlingblue]

Actually it's any kind of liquid assets, so that's stocks, bonds, etc. It doesn't include things like a house/apartment.

Yes, any liquid assets, except for retirement accounts I believe.