Diabetes Talking

Question:

Texas is one of the states that has a diabetes law.  I don’t think preexisting conditions apply to group polices as long as you apply when first eligible.  At least that’s how it is for State of Texas employee’s.

     I had been worried that when insurance changes, I’d be out of luck.  My husband works on government contracts, as a civilian, and while he has worked at the same PLACE for years, his employer has changed several times (and insurance has as well).  I asked my husband what we will do when he changes employers (thus insurances) again in a few years and he told me that a FEDERAL law was passed a few years back that will help.      It seems that if you sign up for insurance with a new company right away, and had insurance up until the time you started working for the new employer, that the new insurance cannot fail to cover pre-existing conditions. I understand why insurers do not want to cover pre-existing conditions (heck, no one would apply for insurance until needed for a condition), but this law would enable those who have used insurance for a condition to continue to use insurance… even if it is another insurance.      Takes a load off of MY mind. …Beverly (Type II)

Response:

Texas is one of the states that has a diabetes law.  I don’t think preexisting conditions apply to group polices as long as you apply when first eligible.  At least that’s how it is for State of Texas employee’s. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings, I’m newly diagnosed T2, and will be making a job change in about 10 days. Since treatment for my diabetes only began in March of this year, I’ve been really concerned about group insurance insurability issues.  I live in Texas.  I have decided to take on a new job that is a real step upwards for me.  I’ve been employed with my current company for over three years and have had their group coverage for all but the initial 90 day eligibility period.  Do I understand correctly that if I elect the COBRA option upon termination and wait out my NEW company’s 90 day eligibility period, that I should NOT be subject to a pre-existing condition waiting period?  It is clear that diabetes would be a pre-existing condition for me and that I have been treated for it since March. Thanks for your help. Brad

Response:

I have confirmed the following on my own – fyi Since I will not have a lapse in coverage that amounts to more than 63 days, I will be able to use the old group coverage as proof of credible insurance to satisfy any pre-existing waiting period. Since my previous group coverage has been in effect for almost 36 months, this will more than cover any pre-existing penalty.  Bottom line, I pay my COBRA until the normal 90 day eligibility period transpires.  Then I’m aboard on the new group policy with no negative discrimination towards my diabetes.  Yippee!!  That is HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability Protection Act). Thanks again! Brad

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings, I’m newly diagnosed T2, and will be making a job change in about 10 days. Since treatment for my diabetes only began in March of this year, I’ve been really concerned about group insurance insurability issues.  I live in Texas.  I have decided to take on a new job that is a real step upwards for me.  I’ve been employed with my current company for over three years and have had their group coverage for all but the initial 90 day eligibility period.  Do I understand correctly that if I elect the COBRA option upon termination and wait out my NEW company’s 90 day eligibility period, that I should NOT be subject to a pre-existing condition waiting period?  It is clear that diabetes would be a pre-existing condition for me and that I have been treated for it since March. Thanks for your help. Brad

Response:

Greetings, I’m newly diagnosed T2, and will be making a job change in about 10 days. Since treatment for my diabetes only began in March of this year, I’ve been really concerned about group insurance insurability issues.  I live in Texas.  I have decided to take on a new job that is a real step upwards for me.  I’ve been employed with my current company for over three years and have had their group coverage for all but the initial 90 day eligibility period.  Do I understand correctly that if I elect the COBRA option upon termination and wait out my NEW company’s 90 day eligibility period, that I should NOT be subject to a pre-existing condition waiting period?  It is clear that diabetes would be a pre-existing condition for me and that I have been treated for it since March. Thanks for your help. Brad

Response: