Health Insurance - PCIP Plans

[LOSTnut]

So, I am running low on health insurance, i.e. Cobra. The coverage will end on October 1 and I am a little scared of losing my coverage since (as some of you might know) I have a stoma and am in need of supplies.

Arizona is within the 20 states who offer Pre-Existing health insurance plans, however, there are some requirements and I was wondering if any of you, living in other states who enable enrollment in that plan have experience and can provide some tips.

The requirement that concerns me most is the one that says that one has to be 6 mos without insurance coverage to be eligible. A broker I contacted claims that this requirement has been lifted but I cannot find anything to verify this claim and she is also unable to tell me where she got that information.
All the enrollment paperwork still states that this is a requirement for approval.

Anybody happen to know if this is true or if being on Cobra would constitute being without (proper) insurance?

Any help would be welcome! Thanks in advance!

 

[scoutfinch]

Being on COBRA means that you have insurance coverage. It's good that you are being proactive and looking into arranging for other coverage to start once your COBRA ends. Keep an eye on application deadlines to ensure that coverage is in place by October 1 (deadlines are usually a month or more in advance of the effective coverage date).

As you review each plan, contact the insurance company that's offering that plan and speak to them about whether or not there is a pre-existing condition requirement. The Affordable Care Act that went into effect in 2010 only did away with pre-existing condition exclusions for children under 19. It will not be eliminated for adults until year 2014.

However, since you have coverage now and if you have had continuous coverage for at least a year prior, you can probably offset any pre-existing condition requirements with "creditable coverage" - this is the law under HIPAA regulations. Do a Google search for "pre-existing conditions" and read up on the topic. Then talk to the insurance companies for each of the plans you are considering to make sure you will have the coverage you need in place when COBRA runs out.

 

[GutlessWonder86]

have you tried contacting your local CCFA chapter to talk to others in the same situation. I bet there are others in the same situation who could answer your questions. Ask to talk to the chapter president.

http://www.ostogroup.org/ ostomy products for the uninsured. all you pay for is the shipping.

here is the CCFA chapters in Arizona.


East Valley Adult Support Group (MESA)
Held at Banner Desert Medical Center
First floor, Mesquite Room, Rosati Education Center
1400 S. Dobson Road Mesa, AZ 85016
Meetings: Second Thursday of every month at 7:30pm
Next Meeting Date: August 11th, 2011
Contact: Aaron H. at 480.722.9328
Email: [email protected]

East Valley Children and Parent Support Group
Cardon Children's Medical Center
1400 S. Dobson Road Mesa, AZ 85202
The Frog and Turtle Room
Meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
Next Meeting Date: TBD
Contact: Karen Crane at 480.961.1974
Email: [email protected]

Northwest Valley Support Group
Arrowhead Physician's Plaza
West Side of Arrowhead Hospital Campus
18699 N. 67th Avenue Suite #105B
Glendale, AZ 85308
Fourth Wednesday of every month 7:00pm
Next Meeting Date: July 27th, 2011
Contact: Phil Hobday at 623.977.3805
Email: [email protected]



New Patient "Power of Two" Connection for Support

Looking to find support and comfort by talking to someone by phone and/or e-mail who knows the challenges of living with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis? Want to provide a helping hand to those in need of help? If so, then join our "Power of Two" Connection program! We'll match you up, based on your needs or your request to help others – answering questions, visiting someone in the hospital, or just being there to listen.

Southwest Chapter

8098 Via de Negocio, Suite 201
Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Phone: (480) 246-3676
Toll Free: (877) 259-2104
Fax: (480) 246-3679

Staff:

Eric Stern, Executive Director
Telephone: 480.246.3676 Extension 301
[email protected]

Cindy Sorensen, Regional Education & Support Manager
Telephone: 303.639.9163
[email protected]

Diane Morris, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]

Jamie Rogers, Take Steps Walk Manager
[email protected]

Jennifer Clark, Team Challenge Endurance Manager - Phoenix
[email protected]



Tami Wilson-Hernandez, Divisional Operations Manager (US)
Telephone: 303.639.9163
[email protected]


To sign up, please contact Cindy Sorensen at 303-639-9163 or [email protected]

 

[LOSTnut]

I will research some more and see if it is actually true that this one requirement is lifted. The plan isn't all that but better than nothing with pretty much a copay of 20% for everything.

Thanks, though, for your suggestions.

Happy Sunday!

 

[AndiGirl]

I wish I could be of some help, Heike. I don't know a lot about COBRA. I sure hope things work out for you. Hugs!

 

[LOSTnut]

Hey Andi,
a job with benefits would definitely the better option but this way at least I wouldn't have to move into my car .... :|
Hope you're having a splendid Sunday!

 

[LOSTnut]

Well, I plan to call today to find out about the 6 mos and will post the information I get.
Unfortunately, according to the map, none of the eastern States of New York and surrounds carry this particular plan. Would you be eligible for another one of the State sponsored plans?
I know they just cut eligibility here in AZ for single adults with no "children" -- lucky me!

 

[LOSTnut]

So, I called to find out whether the 6 months without insurance requirement has been lifte and the answer is: NO

F****! Guess I better find a job with health insurance rather quickly or not get sick and find a "cheap" supplier for the supplies I need.
Any suggestions on that end are welcome!