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New Imployment and New Insurance in MA


Fri, January 15, 2010 3:25 PM

Hello.

I was wondering if anyone her with Colitis or Crohns has switched jobs and had problems securing new health insurance? I live in MA and have colitis along with blood clots (side effect of IBD). I am looking to switch jobs, but fear being turned down by new insurance at a new company. My current helath insurance has been great about covering my medical expenses. Id hate to stay at a job I am no longer happy at just to keep my insurance. Any advice or experiences are greatly appreciated.

FPO beenz815
Joined Oct 2, 2008

Wed, February 24, 2010 1:06 PM

 Reply posted for jmkearns22.

Thanks kmkearns22.

I'm surprised MassHealth turned you down. With the mandatory health insurance law where else do you turn when your own state won't give you help.

FPO beenz815
Joined Oct 2, 2008

Tue, February 23, 2010 7:48 PM

 Reply posted for beenz815.

I have switched jobs  like 5 times and have NEVER had a problem getting new coverage. I have never ever heard of an insurance comapny turning you down because of Crohn's. When you do your paperwork...I have never even seen anything where you would fill that in. 

BUT, my problem right now is...I just got a new job and have to wait 90 days before my new insurance kicks in. I don't have Cobra or anything b/c I was in school for the past year and a half, and I got turned down for MassHealth. I spend well over $400 a month on medications...and that doesn't include my doctor appts!

FPO jmkearns22
Joined Aug 24, 2009

Thu, January 28, 2010 9:52 PM

 Reply posted for beenz815.

Try this. Call the human resources department of the company that you want to go work for. Ask them if there is any pre-employment medical screening for pre-existng medical conditions for new hires. That should answer the question. If there is then I would talk to some one knowledgeable about the Americans with Disabilities Act.

                                               Joe                                            

FPO joe
Joined Oct 24, 2019

Mon, January 25, 2010 4:24 PM

 Reply posted for beenz815.

Thanks for the replies.

Yeah, I was afraid it would be hard to get new insurance. Now I feel trapped at my current job. I'll have to look into the finer points of switching employers without being off insurance in-between.

FPO beenz815
Joined Oct 2, 2008

Mon, January 25, 2010 2:37 PM

 Reply posted for beenz815.

I currently still have COBRA from my previous employer.  I have had it for over 12 months now.  It will end April 1st, I have spoken to my current health insurance company and they told me I would now be uninsurable due to my Crohns.  Just because I have COBRA does not mean I am automatically covered, I have to reapply, and when I reapply, I get denied.  They have put this in writing.  I contacted The Dept. of Insurance for my state who informed me that I have to get an indemnity plan.  It is an insurance plan for people who have chronic illnesses.  Oh and the monthly premium starts for me at $1,000 per month

FPO sarahk
Joined Aug 24, 2009

Fri, January 15, 2010 10:22 PM

 Reply posted for beenz815.

As long as you stay continiously covered with health insurance, a new employers insurance can not refuse you coverage for a pre-existng condition. If you lose your job and health care coverage I believe the coverage extends for 60 days after the job ends. If you lose your job, your employer has to offer you COBRA for eighteen months, which is health  care coverage provided by your previous insurer. You have to pay the total cost for the COBRA insurance. The biggest item that President Obama has in this health bill is that a insurance company will no longer be able to refuse a person insurance coverage for a pre-existing condition. You might want to check out your prospective employers insurance plan to see what kind of coverage they offer.

                                            Joe    

FPO joe
Joined Oct 24, 2019

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