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Work and Insurance


Tue, September 02, 2008 12:45 PM

Hello friends!

I have been living with Crohns Colitis for about ten years now and I am looking for some advice on work and insurance.  I have had my own private insurance since graduating from college, which was before I developed this disease.  I have also been running my own business these past few years but due to this economic downturn I will probably lose it over the next year or so.  With the loss of my business and the fact that my premiums have been rising 20% every year not to mention the thousands I am still paying for colonoscopies, flex sigs etc. I am headed towards some finacial troubles.  Forgive me for being naive on this subject.  My question is if I seek outside employment now, can a company deny me insurance or a job for that matter because of my Crohns.  Secondly I am worried about dropping my private insurance and getting a job at Starbucks because I imagine I would never be able to get private insurance again if my job ended.  My last option would be moving to another country where I could get some decent afforadable healthcare.  Sorry for the ramble.  Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Bill

FPO zico10pele
Joined Sep 2, 2008

Wed, October 15, 2008 5:05 PM

 Reply posted for zico10pele.

Thank you again for the responses.  At the moment I will try to keep my business going and keep my insurance.  Luckily the economy is so strong! lol

FPO zico10pele
Joined Sep 2, 2008

Thu, October 02, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for zico10pele.

the best advice i've gotten is DONT EVER LET YOUR INSURANCE LAPSE....if there is a "break" in insurance coverage, that is where they pull the 'pre-existing' condition on you. 

there was a time when i was considering leaving my job and working for myself.  when i checked on getting private insurance they straight up told me i would have the 'pre-existing' condition with crohns...  and they said any claim i had -if it could be related somehow to crohsn--would be denied. 

it really sucks, but if you can, keep insurance.

good luck to you 

FPO fmvoice
Joined Oct 1, 2008

Sun, September 21, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for zico10pele.

I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that the answer to your question varies from state to state and even employer to employer.   You might want to give a call to your state's insurance commission and ask them these questions.  Also, I think that certain federal laws superceded some state laws allowing employers to bypass state requirements, but I'm less sure about that.

The key, as someone else mentioned, is to be able to prove prior coverage.  Do not give up your private insurance until you have something else to go to.

FPO david541
Joined Jul 18, 2008

Tue, September 09, 2008 10:18 PM

 Reply posted for zico10pele.

Thank you kindly for all the responses they have been extremely helpful!

FPO zico10pele
Joined Sep 2, 2008

Mon, September 08, 2008 9:52 PM

 Reply posted for zico10pele.

As a person leaves an insurance company, they should ask for a certificate of prior coverage. With this certificate, if you obtain other insurance within 63 days, you give the new insurance co. this form and they are to not consider any pre-existing conditions.


After 63 days, then they can hold you to any pre-existing conditions clauses.

I hope your business improves.

FPO jeffdc
Joined Aug 25, 2008

Thu, September 04, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for Mary B.

This is a little off topic, but I found this Web site which is hosted by a career coach who has UC.  I found some of the information interesting.

http://cicoach.com/index.html

-Nate

FPO nathanrsmith
Joined Sep 4, 2008

Wed, September 03, 2008 9:49 PM

 Reply posted for zico10pele.

Another good website for patient assistance with prescriptions is www.RxAssist.org      

 

 

FPO katiepaw
Joined Sep 12, 2008

Wed, September 03, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for Mary B.

Thank you very much Mary I will do that! 

FPO zico10pele
Joined Sep 2, 2008

Wed, September 03, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for zico10pele.

While I am not an expert on insurance I do know there are several patient assistance programs out there.  Try going to www.patientaccessnetwork.org or www.copays.org for financial assistance information.  Also, check with the pharmaceutical company that produces your medications...they have patient assistance programs too.  I would suggest calling the CCFA's Information Resource Center at 1-888-MY-GUT-PAIN.  They can give you information about insurance and such.  That may not have helped but it's worth a shot!  Good luck!

MB

FPO mary b
Joined Sep 3, 2008

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