Don't Postpone Purchasing Insurance

I have an article here from a friend of mine that sounds all too familiar.  I often hear these same words and it is shocking to me.  I'll let you read it for yourself.

"I don't need health insurance since I am healthy". No matter how often I hear that it never makes sense.

The guy in the casket at the front of the church probably could use some life insurance but unfortunately it is too late to do anything about it.

Same for health insurance.

You can't buy it once you get sick.

Almost 2 months ago I was referred to a lady who would be needing health insurance when her COBRA expired at the end of September. I called and was told she was busy with other things but she would get around to it soon.

Over the next few weeks we had sporadic contact and then about 3 weeks ago she finally got serious about it. After going back & forth on options she finally agreed to complete an application for coverage. Even then it was a challenge to keep her on task.

Last week she faxed the application to me for review. The next day she emailed to say she had an exam including a colonoscopy scheduled for a few days later. We went through several questions, including questions about any symptoms or family history that might have prompted the colonoscopy.

She assured me there was nothing in her history but her doctor thought it would be a good idea.

By now the only thing we could do was submit the application and hope for the best. During the phone interview with the underwriter they noted she had filled a prescription for Movi-Prep . . . a medication to purge the bowels in advance of the exam.

The carrier opted to postpone taking any action until AFTER the colonoscopy. They were well within their right to do so.

Fast forward to today.

I got a call from her ex, telling me the results of the exam. They found 6 polyps and have sent them off to pathology and are awaiting the results.

Hopefully she will have a good prognosis, but this does put a kink in any plans for applying for health insurance. Now she will have to wait 12 months at a minimum, have a follow up colonoscopy and hope it is clear. Even then, there is no guarantee she can get coverage then.

And about that expiring COBRA . . .

Her only option now is to apply for coverage through the state risk pool.

Sometimes when an agent suggests moving forward it is best to listen to them rather than putting off a decision that limits your options.

If she had applied for the coverage this could have been avoided.  Thanks Bob.

Read full story here... 

When you can't get insurance...

My wife found out today that she cannot get health insurance through BlueCross BlueShield.  They mentioned many conditions that she no longer has symptoms of and some she feels are mistaken.  She was taken aback and felt that she had done something wrong, but how can someone think that going to the doctor because your body is not behaving normally is something wrong.  In her situation I reassured her that she is eligible for Cobra and that we will be able to find some insurance that will cover her.  

I don't know if we can find another carrier that will insure her but I told her that and we will try to find one.  The reform bill will allow for pre-existing conditions, but that won't take affect until 2014.  There will also be a guarantee issue mandated then so I am not too worried.  She is though because she wants to try for another baby next year so this throws a wrench into those plans.  Our plan is to contact her doctor and see if he can update her file and possibly remove some of the undesirable, or incorrect diagnoses then maybe the insurance company will cover her.

   My thoughts go out to other families who didn't have a choice to go with Cobra, and their last option would be  SCHIP (SC health insurance pool) which is health insurance for folks who can't get insurance anywhere else.  The problem with the health pool is that it is really expensive because folks who are higher health risks are the ones who are in the pool.  Therefore, you have much higher rates.  So if we didn't have a choice for Cobra, we would have to get coverage under SCHIP and pay through the nose.  Many people have to go this route and this is what I see reform becoming.  A big giant pool of high risk health patients who like to go to the doctor more than usual.

     So you see the dilemma of the insurance company.  They have to make money to stay in business but the person without insurance is the one who suffers.  This is what reform was attempting to fix.  How well will it work, only time will tell and in the meantime I thank God for my health and pray my wife and child stay healthy.