3 ms·
Not a stupid question. I am covered, during my time I am diagnosed with cancer. I get treatment, and am declared "free" of cancer. I remain that way for 5 year
by Swannie 13y ago
Not a stupid question.
I am covered, during my time I am diagnosed with cancer. I get treatment, and am declared "free" of cancer. I remain that way for 5 years, and claim no more benefits. I am still covered.
I leave, and join a new company. To enter their health insurance, I have to declare any "pre-existing" conditions. They see that I am in remission from cancer, and offer my employer two choices: pay hugely inflated premiums, or get no cover. My new employer never expected to need to cover premiums 20 times that of their existing employees, and consequently I am now screwed.
- toast0 13y agoMany times there is an exception for pre-existing conditions if you had continuous credible coverage.
- danielweber 13y agoThe "P" in HIPAA stands for "Portability." Group plans are limited in how long they can exclude someone for pre-existing conditions, and guarantees no waiting period if they already had qualifying insurance. The private market doesn't have the same protections, for reasons both good and bad.