Affordable Health Care Act question

[cherish44]

I had to purchase my own insurance in 2009 and the only way they would take me is if I signed off on my pre-exisitings...forever. Will they have to start covering my pre-exisitings after Obamacare goes into full effect? Does anyone know?

[Schema Thing]

1. I'm not sure, but if they have some weird loophole wrt that, just switch companies.

[lalalu]

2. From what I understand yes

or you could sue them. You will also have the option to shop around for better rates at exchanges that must accept you and your preexisting condition.

It is well past time health insurers stop the nonsense. There was a time I never thought I could get another life insurance policy after i was diagnosed with MS. A few years ago the insurer I already had contacted me about increasing or taking a new policy because of changes. They had done extensive studies in the life insurance industry that showed people with many diseases once thought fatal could live longer. The caveat was that they had regular doctor visits, took approved medicine, and were healthy in other areas such as controlling their weight. I got a great rate whereas before I would have been denied.

If life insurance companies can change then so can health insurance companies.

[cherish44]

3. Hi Lalalu...I'm also facing a possible M.S. diagnosis

Right now it's just white brain lesions, unknown case but could be M.S....so this also has me concerned. My anxiety attacks have gotten bad (my pre-exisiting is "mental health" because I once was treated for depression) so they're not covering those ER visits when I think I'm having a heart attack or stroke but it turns out to be a "panic attack". (Anyone who has ever had panic attacks can tell you, you really do feel like you're dying!) Anyway despite the fact the I pay very expensive premiums every month, they still pull the "it's a panic attack" thing and refuse to pay. I've even told ER staff...whatever you do, don't call this a panic attack, find something else to call it! It's shameful that our health care system is so screwed up right now.

[lalalu]

4. That would not be unusual.

Some people with MS do suffer from depression. Sometimes the location of the lesions can affect mental health. It is not unheard of and you should inform them of this. You should contact the MS society http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx. Tell them you have a possible diagnosis of MS and they will send you plenty of free information.

I also hope you can find a good neurologist who understands how MS works and that it is different for each person. I had symptoms from a very young age but it was a really strange attack that solidified the diagnosis. I was walking down the street and wondered why everyone was bumping into. Then I realized I could not walk straight. My right eye also became blurry.

My doctor immediately sent me to the ER and the MRI showed my brain lit up like a Christmas tree. Make sure when the MRI is done it is done with and without contrast. Also have them check the spine. That is how they can see an active attack. I wish you the best and can understand your anxiety.

[cherish44]

7. Thanks for the info!

I just had my MRI on November 9 and they found small white matter lesions...still investigating what is causing them. Thankfully my insurance will cover all of this because happened after I was already on their plan. But the frequent anxiety attacks have been expensive because of my pre-existing exemption. Hoping I can hand in there an manage them (I'm on Xanax right now, as much as I hate to be taking Benzos, they do the trick. It's just a matter making sure I don't get hooked on them).

[blondie58]

6. hi Cherish44- what a scary, scary thing

There are a lot of diseases that mimic MS.

I just wanted to send you a positive word. I have ms. D day was 7/9/99. I had just been divorced and had to girls to raise. Worked anywhere from 40-60 hours a week at the Post Office as a letter carrier.

Weird, unpredictable disease.

I tried to look at the positive side at first. Hey, they have drugs now. At least I was diagnosed promptly and didn't have to wait for an answer. At least it is not fatal.
Anyway, good luck. You might try some meditation for your anxiety. It is supposed to be real helpful and beneficial for ms, as well.

[cherish44]

8. I know, I've been doing WAY too much reading on brain lesions lately and it's SCARY

I'm on Xanax now after having tried Buspar. The Xanax is wonderful and offers very quick relief, but they're easy to get hooked on so I'm being very very cautious about it and only taking it when I'm having a really bad one. During mild or even moderate panic attacks I basically curl up on the floor and repeat "You're not dying, this will pass..." But they're SO excruciating when you're going through them.

[wildflower]

9. Do you get migraines?

I heard on the news the other day that they can cause lesions on the brain.

[tritsofme]

5. Plans purchased through the exchanges will be unable to discriminate based on pre-existing condition

The individual market as it is now will no longer exist, so it would be a different plan you would purchase.