I can't believe this...
#290872 - 11/21/06 03:02 PM
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At 25 years old all I want to do is be healthy and happy. Unfortunately I've been diagnosed with IBS and have been able to be functional for the past few years. Luckily I've been on my fathers insurance so I've been covered. Now I need my own insurance and surprise, no one wants to cover my pre-existing condition!!! Anyone have any similar problems or suggestions?
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They are turnung you away because you have IBS?
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Yeah, I've never heard of IBS being pre-existing and I work in the medical field dealing with all insurances. If that is the case, look for another insurance that waives pre-existing conditions. That's crazy!
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~~~Lisa~~~
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Talk to the Insurance Commission or whatever it's called in your state. In New Jersey, as long as you've had health insurance for the past 12 months any new insurance company has to cover all your conditions. Even if that's not the case where you live, there is usually a limit on how long a pre-existing condition can be excluded.
You should also ask your state Insurance Commission about COBRA - you may have the right to continue to use your father's insurance but pay for it yourself for 18 months. I'm not sure about that - COBRA may only apply to employer insurance - but it's worth asking about. (COBRA is a Federal law not a state one.)
I will say that New Jersey has probably the best laws as far as individuals getting their own health insurance so your state may not be as strict with insurance companies. In general, though, the Blue Cross Blue Shield companies are supposed to be more accepting so be sure to check with them if all else fails.
HTH. Please let us know how this turns out.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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I've never heard of IBS being a reson why an insurance company won't cover someone. I'm assuming you're taking lots of medications then if they won't cover you. Have you tried Heather's approach? many people find that they don't need their any or as much medications as they used to when they truely follow her diet guidelines.
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Well, I got the letter today DENYING me insurance due to a pre-existing condition (IBS). I'm able to continue on my fathers insurance with the COBRA, but at $500 a month it's not affordable. I'm not heavily medicated (i take one medication that costs $11.00 WITHOUT insurance). And I only go to the specialists once or twice a year. Unfortunately I now have to go a month without insurance as its too late to apply to a new company for the month of december. ~sigh~
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If you're having troubles getting insurance, do whatever you can to be able to afford the COBRA payments -- beg, borrow, steal. (Okay, well, actually, I don't condone the stealing part.) Health insurance is one of those things you just don't want to risk going without. A couple years ago my only medical expenses were my yearly girly parts exam and fifteen bucks a month for birth control pills. The past year my medical bills have totalled about $96,000. Without insurance I would have been so screwed.
I am completely flabbergasted that any insurance company would deny coverage just because someone has IBS. Do they only cover healthy people with no problems or what?? Geez.
I hope you can get something worked out, it's a scary feeling to be uninsured!
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jen
"It's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle -- to get one's head cut off." -- LC
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Don't do it!
#291272 - 11/25/06 08:30 PM
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Sand
Reged: 12/13/04
Posts: 4490
Loc: West Orange, NJ (IBS-D)
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Do not let your insurance lapse. I agree with Jen - find the $500 somewhere. If you go a month without insurance in NJ you lose your "continually covered" status and it makes it even harder to get insurance.
Two things. First, ask your father to chip in. I'm sure you hate to do this but if you were to get terribly ill - or hurt in an accident - without insurance you know your father would bankrupt himself to get you the help you need. Far better for him to help you out with $500 or less for one month while you find another insurance company. You can pay him back even if it's at a rate of $5 per month.
Second, if all else fails see if you can find an insurance company that will cover everything but your IBS. As you yourself said, it's not costing you very much right now. Better to have coverage for any possible big ticket items even if you have to pay yourself for your IBS meds and specialists.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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I am in the same situation! I have been denied by every insurance company under the sun because of ulcerative colitis. My husband is self employed and his insurance will not accept me. I am a Realtor (though I'm too sick to work right now) and so any individual plan for myself wouldn't accept me either. It's very frustrating, I know! I am surprised though that it's because of IBS for you. I remember getting the letter that listed the conditions they would not accept and IBS wasn't on there at the time. Just how long is that list going to get? They're going to get to the point that they won't insure you if you've ever sneezed! I hate the way insurance companies and our health system works. Last Friday (see below post for full story), as an extreme measure for my anemia, I had to have a blood transfusion and they have sent me a bill for $2900. I don't know which is more stressful... that bill or the transfusion itself. I have to negotiate that down.
Anyway, my thoughts are with you. I am in the same situation. Good luck to you. Definately look into what your state may offer. Some plans are available in some states, but they can be very expensive.
If you are planning on getting a full time job, their insurance plan SHOULD have to take you. (I'm assuming you might be a student since you were on your dad's plan?)
Whatever you do, take care of your condition and do not stop taking the meds!
Here's my story:
my post from 2005
my post from a week or so ago
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It's never too late to be what you might have been.
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