Health Insurance question...

[mrmpa]

My Cobra coverage expires on March 31st. I contacted my insurer, as I was instructed to do, in a letter from them. I was given the information that I could convert to an individual policy effective April 1st. They informed me that I would not be asked anything about pre-existing conditions (an important thing for me). I requested that she send me information, as I did not want to make a decision over the phone. I received information on 3 plans, and then visited a satellite office of the insurer.

I worked with the agent, asked the questions that I had, and purchased the insurance. Yesterday I received the plan booklet, and I find that pre-existing conditions, diagnosed within the past 5 years are excluded from coverage. I know that not asking about pre-existing conditions has to do with the cost of coverage, but I thought that since I had group coverage (through a former employer), that pre-existing conditions would be covered.

Now the question(s), 1. Will my prescriptions for my pre-existing conditions not be covered? 2. Will all conditions I have had diagnosed or treated (spinal stenosis), (knee replacement), (diabetes), (high blood pressure), not be covered when I go to my treating physician?

Help, I'm so totally confused.

[Suich]

1. I have no idea, mrmpa, but I'll kick this!

Good luck!

[REP]

2. If this is continuation of coverage under a new plan (same carrier), they should be covered

[mrmpa]

6. It is the same carrier....

and I'm now continuing coverage with them but as an individual plan. I will make some calls, my brothers have friends that are VP's with this company. I'll give them a call.

[ScreamingMeemie]

7. Blue Cross/Blue Shield kept me covered for all diagnosed conditions

after my husband's COBRA ran out. That is, until they dropped me.

[eridani]

3. Call or visit the website of your state insurance commissioner n/t

[Sherman A1]

4. +1

That is where I would start.

[Sgent]

5. This is *really* state and policy specific

many states have continuation plans (which it sounds like you took advantage of), which can have all sorts of provisions that may or may not apply.

Talk to a trusted agent, or even see an attorney if need be (look for an attorney experienced in employee benefits).

Good luck.

[mrmpa]

8. I got a letter today....

from carrier that expires on the 31st. I need to show it to my new insurer (it's the same company), then pre-existing conditions will be covered.

Thanks everyone.