Health Insurance for non-fulltime student?

Question

Hello, I am 21 years old and currently under my dad's company insurance through Blue Cross as a full time student. The policy is that they will cover me if I remain a full time student.

However, a few months ago I was diagnosed with Lupus SLE and I have been hospitalized twice. My doctors suggest that I take a few quarters off of school, but if I don't recover rapidly I may have to take up to a year or so. During this time, will my insurance cover me? It would not make sense if they don't cover me because the only reason I can't go to school is because I got sick. For blue cross, are there any steps do I need to take to make sure I am covered during the time that I am not going to school?

like i said, im under my DAD's insurance from his employer. Im not buying health insurance from school

Answer 1

You may not have to be a full time student to qualify as a medical dependant under your dad's plan.
You'll need to the check the plan's requirements.
Some will cover you as long as you are considered financially dependant on your dad.
If so, you're fine....sometimes for several more years up as far as age 25-26.

Your disease, however, is going to cause you some insurance troubles at some point because you will have to go it on your own.

You may find it difficult to get insurance once you go out on your own and may end up in a high risk pool, which is going to be costly.

Answer 2

If you want to keep on the Blue Cross plan the only option you have is to consider buying COBRA coverage on your dad's policy. Be warned though, some insurances will not do it for dependents, and it will be rather expensive - more than the cost of covering you on the plan per month.

But, since you're over the age of 19, you may not be able to do this - it really depends on your dad's employer.

The other option you have is medicaid or something similar to that. In New York we have Healthy NY plans - it's regular insurance that New York State subsidizes the cost of, so the patient pays into it based on income - you have to make less than a certain amount a month to qualify - and since you're a student, you'd qualify.

Answer 3

Here a few suggestions:

1.Sometimes you can purchase an additional policy rider that will allow for expanded coverage. Maybe your father can do this, although it’s probably not cost effective in the long run because you’ll probably be off your dad’s insurance soon anyway.

2.See if your dad can go with another policy through work. Some businesses have more than one option in terms of insurance, and many states have expanded the definition of who a dependent is to include older people who are not students.

3.Some student health plans (ones you get through university) require you only to be a part-time student. If you can manage to go part-time you might go this route.

4.Prescription drug assistance: I’ve included links to Together Rx Access, which is a prescription drug card program that seems to be free. I found it through the Lupus Foundation of America (link below as well). Other possibilities are Needy Meds and Partnership for Drug Assistance (links below).

5.Support groups: I’m sure people have gone through what you’re going through. I’ve included links to meetup.com’s lupus meetup groups and a Lupus Foundation of America chapter locater.

6.Private insurance: I’ve included a link to state risk pools. Since private insurance is going to be expensive and might be difficult to qualify for, risk pools might be an option for you. These are state-created insurance programs where high-risk applicants might be able to find affordable health insurance. I’ve also included a link to MostChoice.com, A web site where you can compare local health plans and talk to health insurance agents about your situation without any cost or obligation. They might be able to answer your insurance questions quickly and recommend a strategy.

Good luck and take care,
Barnes@MostChoice

Answer 4

No, once you take any time off of school, or drop to part time, your father's insurance will NOT cover you.

Unfortunately, if you have a LAPSE in coverage, then the Lupus becomes a "preexisting condition", and any coverage you pick up afterwards will likely exclude all treatment relating to the Lupus.

Because of that, it's important that you find replacement coverage and NOT go uninsured for the time you're taking off. The CHEAPEST replacement coverage would be medical coverage through the school - which they probably will not let you have if you're not a student there.

Answer 5

i have blue cross and they can be a pain in the butt... you are buying the health insurance through your school while you attend, so if you're not in class you won't be able to purchase it... you can get cobra, which keeps you on the same plan but that can cost like $400/month... i would talk to a lawyer that know insurance, he will give you the best advice

Answer 6

Your dad's ins may not cover you if you are not full time. Speak with someone from your school. If you go to school party time, you may be able to get coverage from there. My school paid 80% of all of my bills. It is very helpful.