Hellraiser:
Alright so my insurance benefits kick in on February 1st (I originally thought it would be 90 days from new employment but whatever). I signed up for it online but they didn't ask about pre-existing conditions at all. Is this an insurance company that's just ahead of the 2014 change or is the other shoe going to drop after I've used my insurance for the doctor and medicine and they charge me the full price of the bill. Is anyone familiar with how this might work? My last insurance asked about pre-existings but then covered them without questioning me.
liketheboat:
it all depends on the insurance carrier. you may still get a questioner in the mail, or they may just ask who your other insurance is thru and requst the information from them. did you have a lapse in coverage? if you did HIV might fall under a pre existing condition waiting period. (usually 6-12 months). sometimes during the waiting period they may cover the cost of an office visit, but deny anything else for pre existing (such as labs, procedures, or Rx). i am going to be going thru a swich of insurance in the next couple of months. since i work in the medical feild i did my research, called up the new insurance, (gave them the group number) and checked that my medications are covered under the drug formulary, and verified that my providers are prefered providers for the insurnace. i may have gone over board, but since ihave been doing medical billing for seven years i have seen what a horror story something like that can be if you dont plan for it and do a little bit of research.
Hellraiser:
--- Quote from: liketheboat on January 09, 2012, 11:01:51 am ---it all depends on the insurance carrier. you may still get a questioner in the mail, or they may just ask who your other insurance is thru and requst the information from them. did you have a lapse in coverage? if you did HIV might fall under a pre existing condition waiting period. (usually 6-12 months). sometimes during the waiting period they may cover the cost of an office visit, but deny anything else for pre existing (such as labs, procedures, or Rx). i am going to be going thru a swich of insurance in the next couple of months. since i work in the medical feild i did my research, called up the new insurance, (gave them the group number) and checked that my medications are covered under the drug formulary, and verified that my providers are prefered providers for the insurnace. i may have gone over board, but since ihave been doing medical billing for seven years i have seen what a horror story something like that can be if you dont plan for it and do a little bit of research.
--- End quote ---
I was without a job for 2 months (so lapse there) and then it took 3 months for the new insurance to kick in, so all in all I've been without insurance for 5 months. My former insurance sent me a letter of prior coverage but I don't know if there would be a 2 month window or a 5 month window.
Assurbanipal:
If your insurance is provided by your employer, somewhere there should be a summary plan description (SPD) for the health plan. If your plan applies a waiting period for pre-existing conditions it should be spelled out in that document.
If it is a large company, there is probably a benefits department where you can call and ask for a copy of the SPD (or just ask the question in a generalized way).
wolfter:
Sometimes under large group plans, there are no limitations on pre-existing conditions. I'd contact the HR department and request a copy of the policy information. I worked 2 different places where my insurnace covered my drugs immediately.