What is the best course of action for someone with pre-existing cancer looking for health insurance?

This post has 5 comments

• 
  WENDEL HOMES
  August 15th, 2008

  Move for a system like the NHS in Britian in such a system we all get treated even if we have no job,also most important this… we do not need to inform our employers if we have an existing illness because it doesn’t really matter to them as insurance does not enter the equasion so they don’t need to worry over a persons health other than if they will have too many days of sick.
  To conclude insurance calls the shots in the US but its the doctor over here and thats how it aught to be.

• 
  formerly_bob
  August 16th, 2008

  The options depend on where you live, as the laws vary substantially in different nations and in different states within the US. In the US, generally, insurers cannot deny someone medical insurance, but they may exclude pre-existing conditions entirely or for some specific term - like the first 6 months to 2 years of coverage. You have to check the laws where you live and look at a variety of policies to find one that has the least amount of waiting time for coverage of pre-existing conditions. There are also “high-risk” insurance policies that provide coverage of existing conditions, but the rates are much higher than typical insurance.

  The safest bet is to see if your friend can extend the coverage under the existing COBRA policy, and then begin payment on an additional policy so the waiting time for pre-existing conditions will be used up by the time the COBRA policy expires, or use the time to search for a reasonable policy that does not exclude a pre-existing condition.

  Some states in the US offer insurance policies for people that cannot find private insurance.

• 
  Panda
  August 16th, 2008

  Yes. COBRA will help her while she is undergoing treatment and than once treatment is complete and she picks up new insurance or gets a new job the insurance must treat her as if she did not have a ‘pre-existing condition’. She can find out more from the American Cancer Society and or a medical social worker who can help her file papers and make the right decisions in regards to insurance and financial situations.

  ACS:
  Health Insurance and Financial Assistance for the Cancer Patient

• 
  ssmc221
  August 20th, 2008

  the only other options would be to be on her spouse’s insurance (if it is a group plan she CAN NOT be denied) or hope that she meets the income guide-lines for medicaid. the Cancer center where she is getting treatment should be able to find help for her, if not call the American Cancer Society…..wish her luck!

• 
  nabass16
  August 22nd, 2008

  I know of a very reputable company that will offer her discounts on her doctor visits. They will approve anyone with pre-exisiting conditions and there is no waiting period so she can use it right away. It is not health insurance, but yet affordable coverage for her and anyone in her household related or not. This company has helped alot of people that cannot qualify for coverage or simply just can’t afford the high premiums. If you would like more info contact me anytime at. Hope this helped.

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