where can hiv positive people look for individual health insurance?

Question

if you're hiv positive and are currently covered with an insurance policy, but will be changing jobs where group coverage is not an option, what are your options for health insurance? are hiv positive people stuck in their jobs for life just to keep insurance? from what i've found, public insurance benefits only apply when you're dirt poor and have no home.

Answer 1

You aren't stuck in your job, no.

What you need to do is first make sure that your current group coverage is subject to COBRA. (Most are, but not all, so it's an important thing to verify.)

If the group you're with now IS subject to COBRA, they'll have to offer you the option to keep your current coverage for up to 18 months. (You will have to pay 100% of the premiums and possibly also a 2% handling fee for the group to maintain you.)

At the end of that 18 months, as long as you do not allow more than a 63 day lapse in coverage, you will be able to apply to any individual plan as a HIPAA eligible individual (meaning that you do NOT have to fill out the health history info; under Federal law, they are obligated to take you.)

However, I will forewarn you that the rates you'll pay for the individual policy will be MUCH higher (possibly double) your group rates. (And you may not realize how much your current insurance actually costs, either, if your current employer is paying part of the premium.) This is because they presume that you do have some serious pre-existing conditions if you're applying under HIPAA (because you'd certainly take almost any other route if it were available to you.)

So, to answer your question, as long as you follow the rules, you can't be turned down, but you'd better hope that the pay increase in the new job is significant to offset the additional expense.

Answer 2

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RE Where can hiv positive people look for individual health insurance?

if you're hiv positive and are currently covered with an insurance policy, but will be changing jobs where group coverage is not an option, what are your options for health insurance? are hiv positive people stuck in their jobs for life just to keep insurance? from what i've found, public insurance benefits only apply when you're dirt poor and have no home.

Answer 3

I might suggest you to visit this internet site where onel can compare rates from different companies: http://HELP-INSURE.NET/index.html?src=2YAilapmTL87

RE :Where can hiv positive people look for individual health insurance?
if you're hiv positive and are currently covered with an insurance policy, but will be changing jobs where group coverage is not an option, what are your options for health insurance? are hiv positive people stuck in their jobs for life just to keep insurance? from what i've found, public insurance benefits only apply when you're dirt poor and have no home.
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Answer 4

No worries. As long as you move into your new position before your current coverage lapses (talk to your HR), or you bridge the gap with COBRA, your new employer's plan will cover you. The carrier does, however, have the right to rate the entire group upon policy renewal. If the new company is small enough that this has a significant effect on premium, your employer also has the right to require individual coverage for you.

I'll caveat all this by saying that I generally don't deal in health insurance, although I am licensed. If anyone is more knowledgeable and can clarify, feel free with my apologies to the asker.

Answer 5

Another option that is available is before you get off your group policy contact the insurance company that is underwriting it and ask them how much would it cost to convert your group coverage to individual coverage. If they give you problems due to your medical history then try to contact a health insurance agent in your area that can quote you with a company that does not pull your MIB report. As a health agent, I can write people who have chronic conditions under a policy that is a guarantee issue. The rates are slightly higher but on a guarantee issue plan the insurance company does not pull your MIB report.

Answer 6

You may also check if your state offers a type of Insurance Pool. For people with pre-existing, hard to place issues. Texas does, but not sure of all states! I would definitely inquire about COBRA... The only thing... I took COBRA for my pregnancy and went from paying $50 a month for the family to $800 a month for just myself.... It's crazy expensive!!!

Answer 7

I might suggest you to try this website where you can get quotes from different companies: http://cheap-insure.info/index.html?src=5YAqqC1AOR8gjm1

RE :Where can hiv positive people look for individual health insurance?
if you're hiv positive and are currently covered with an insurance policy, but will be changing jobs where group coverage is not an option, what are your options for health insurance? are hiv positive people stuck in their jobs for life just to keep insurance? from what i've found, public insurance benefits only apply when you're dirt poor and have no home.
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Answer 8

Get insurance quotes

Answer 9

the 1st element you're able to do is say which state is the place you reside. in spite of the certainty that many states have low priced medical well-being coverage, there is not any medical well-being coverage (low priced or in any different case) it is accessible to self-employed persons or households in all of those states. you will get the medical well-being coverage it is accessible interior the state the place you reside (or pass to a various state). no you will help till you tell them which state it is. submit your question lower back, and supply the call of the state.

Answer 10

I hate to tell you, but once the new insurance finds out your screwed. No one will touch you for insurance. It is like my sister had cancer and no new policies can be written on her.