insurance dissaster! - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

momw/ic · 03-04-2003, 07:21 AM

I am looking for an answer to an insurance question. I am hoping someone out there may know the answer. My family gets our health insurance through a group plan my employer offers. Well, I have been on leave for almost a year due to my health issues. I had two surgeries this year, one of which helped diagnose my IC. So, the problem is I have to go back to work at minimum 30 hours per week to keep my insurance, but at this moment in time I am not able due to pain. On any given day I might feel fine - other days I am paralyzed with pain. My husband is a minister and our denomination does not offer group insurance in our state. Does anyone know of a national ministers group or any other possibilities for us to stay on a group plan? Now if I move to a private plan, my IC and other health issues will be excluded. I also have a hearing impaired son who will also be excluded. Just wondering if anyone has any other ideas. My boss is very understanding and says just to drag myself there so I am at least getting hours in - for that I am thankful.

Thanks!

***dyno*** · 03-04-2003, 09:48 AM

My daughter works for a major health insurance company and I just read her your post. She says you are right about everything you said. You would go through underwriting with other policies. She doesn't know of any other plans. That doesn't mean they aren't out there though.

Hang in there something will work out.

Jolene

***ICNDonna*** · 03-04-2003, 04:23 PM

Even if you have to leave your job you would be eligible for COBRA coverage for a period. After that you should be able to get a continuation policy from the same company. The coverage would not necessarily be the same and you would have to pay more for it, but it's better than no coverage. You have to ask for the continuation policy --- insurance companies definitely don't advertise it.

I was on a continuaton policy for two years. The way I found out about it was I wrote my congressman because I was terrified about being without insurance.

Donna

***dyno*** · 03-04-2003, 11:19 PM

Donna is right, Cobra is an option I forgot to mention. It usually is expensive. Insurance is such a hassle. Too bad we have to deal with that in addition to all the other stuff.
Jolene

Crzycatlady · 03-05-2003, 06:24 AM

OHH IC mom! I am sorry! Like you need this stress. Cobra is an option, they have to cover you if you pay the premiums, which can be expensive. I think it was about $150.00 when I looked into it. BUT, if you consider what the dr bills and med cost would be a month with out insurance, then it is worth it. I know with pre-exisisting conditions, it makes it hard to get coverage. GOOD LUCK...
HUGS,
grouphug
Cat