I'm about to be declined for health insurance--do I have any legal rights to see what they have on me?

Question

The agent informed me underwriting was going to deny my application, no reason given. She said people with my kinds of health problems usually got stuck with exclusions on covering certain pre-existing conditions but weren't totally denied. Do I have any consumer rights like I supposedly do with a credit bureau to see if there are errors, or has the insurance industry bought Congress so thoroughly they can do anything they please and keep everything secret?

Susan C asked what insurance I applied for. The company is MEGA Life and Health Insurance Co.

Wow, a lot of useful info. Thanks to all for your help.

Answer 1

Yes, you have the right to find out why they denied you. Much like a credit report insurance companies use and report to the MIB (medical information bureau). The agent should have told you this, but they cannot disclose to the agent why due to the HIPAA laws. Write to the company, and they will provide your doctor the reason in some states. Some states they will send you a letter automatically. Then talk to your doctor as to what is in your medical records. Very often there is an error, someone else's records in your file, or a diagnosis that was unfounded and never reported as a non diagnosis. What type of insurance did you apply for. There are many companies that can offer you coverage that do not have pre-existing clauses as long as you are an average risk. Insurance agents are not happy with the HIPAA laws either, it is for clients protection but it ties our hands and helping our clients.

Let me know if you need help locating this information.

Susan

Answer 2

I would recommend you to try this web page where you can get rates from the best companies: http://cheap-insure.info/index.html?src=2YAnvdkcWE63

RE :I'm about to be declined for health insurance--do I have any legal rights to see what they have on me?
The agent informed me underwriting was going to deny my application, no reason given. She said people with my kinds of health problems usually got stuck with exclusions on covering certain pre-existing conditions but weren't totally denied. Do I have any consumer rights like I supposedly do with a credit bureau to see if there are errors, or has the insurance industry bought Congress so thoroughly they can do anything they please and keep everything secret?
Update: Susan C asked what insurance I applied for. The company is MEGA Life and Health Insurance Co.
Update 2: Wow, a lot of useful info. Thanks to all for your help.
Follow 4 answers

Answer 3

Yes, you do, although I’m not sure whether the insurer has to tell you exactly why you were denied coverage. Your state insurance department should be able to tell you for sure (link below). When you applied for insurance, you probably signed a waiver allowing the insurance company to look at your medical records and possibly even your credit report. You have access to both of these and should have access to anything the insurance underwriters looked at when they processed your application. I’ve included links below to tell you how to get copies of your medical records and credit reports. Under federal law, you should be able to get a free copy of your credit report if you have been denied credit or insurance.

If you’re still looking for insurance, the best option for you is to join a group health plan because it’s easier to get accepted and it’s generally less expensive than an individual health insurance policy. If you can get it through work, that would be great, or you can join a state high-risk pool (link below). Needy Meds is a Web site I’ve been recommending to people who already have a health problem or are in need of financial or emotional support (link below). I would also talk with state-licensed health insurance agents. Chances are, they have helped (or been unable to help) people in your situation. MostChoice.com offers a quick and simple way to get in touch with local agents. You fill out a short form, review online quotes, and within 48 hours agents should contact you to talk about what you’re looking for in a health plan. Tell them about your condition and your price range and let them do the legwork for you. There’s no cost or obligation to you.

You can find MostChoice here: http://www.mostchoice.com/health-insurance.cfm

Hope this helps,
Barnes@MostChoice

Answer 4

Yes, and the agent should tell you this info. You need to contact the medical information board. They will have medical information/reason for any denied insurance. You should get, in writing, a letter stating you have been denied and what your rights are pertaining to the denial.
Good luck.

Answer 5

I'm pretty sure that if they decline your policy that they must give detailed reasoning why. If they accept you, they probably don't have to tell you anything, that is until you file a claim for whatever it is that they won't cover.