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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tabitha on January 7, 2005, at 14:47:58
I've been buying a group plan under COBRA, and I called the company about converting to an individual plan. They said I had to apply with a full health history and could be refused. I assume I'm likely to be refused due to having a bipolar II dx and using the coverage for therapy (it's a parity diagnosis in my state, so they were paying LOTS of the cost for me-- much more than my monthly premium).
The insurance company didn't mention HIPAA at all (gee I wonder why) but from the information I found, after my COBRA runs out I can't be denied indivdual coverage due to HIPAA. However it says the rates are high.
So does anyone know if I've got the story straight? I have the impression I can apply to any company that offers individual plans and they can't deny me. Did anyone try this, and were the rates outrageous? I'll call the insurance co again, but it seems they're less than forthcoming about this option.
Posted by Bobby on January 7, 2005, at 15:37:42
In reply to Anyone have insurance under HIPAA?, posted by Tabitha on January 7, 2005, at 14:47:58
Hi Tabbi,
I thought that all insurance fell under the HIPAA privacy guidelines. Isn't that federal? Check with your local community service board--if you have one. O.K.--back to la la land.:)
Bobby
Posted by Tabitha on January 7, 2005, at 19:44:32
In reply to Re: Anyone have insurance under HIPAA? » Tabitha, posted by Bobby on January 7, 2005, at 15:37:42
Maybe it's a whole bunch of legislation. What I was talking about is some protection that's supposed to kick in after you've used COBRA for 18 months.
Posted by crushedout on January 7, 2005, at 21:16:55
In reply to Re: Anyone have insurance under HIPAA? » Bobby, posted by Tabitha on January 7, 2005, at 19:44:32
hey tabitha,i'm in a similar situation as you. i have cobra, it's going to run out soon, and i'm sure my company would not want to encourage me to stay on since i've cost them lots of money in mental health coverage (not to mention i've been a huge pain in their a$$).
that stuff you say about hipaa sounds very plausible to me. i'll have to ask my t cuz i'm pretty sure she knows about that law. i bet the rates will be so outrageous though that there's no way we could pay them.
going without coverage, though, is a terrible idea, i've been told, since then if anything happens, no insurance company will pay for it because they'll call it a pre-existing condition.
so scary isn't it? i hate this insurance sh#t.
This is the end of the thread.
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