A question about health insurance... Please Help.?

Question

First of all, I am twenty years old, and currently living at college. I have finally (after several days of debating) decided that I need to go to the hospital. I am either pregnant, or some other reasons for me being nausous and throwing up all the time. Either way, I need to see someone about this.

I am covered by my parents insurance, but if it comes out that I am pregnant, will that automatically show up on my parents' insurance statement? i.e, what I was seen for, and that prenatals were prescribed.

I know I need to tell them if I am, but they would be very upset and dissappointed by the fact that I'm sexually active, and I need to be able to tell them in person rather than them finding out second hand.

Any information about this would be very appreciated

Thanks in advance.

i am not (and will not be if i am pregnant) embarassed by this, and i don't feel i need their permission. I would just rather them find out from me than the insurance company. I'm not trying to keep this a secret.

like i said, i am not risking my health. i've already decided to see the doctor. i'm just wondering what the statement would show, (if i had an ultrasound would it show that i had an ultrasound or just some "random procedure)

Answer 1

Your details will not show up to your parents, and you can specifically ask for them to keep your info private. But be aware that your mother can call the insurance company and get some details from them.

But telling them as soon as you find out would be the best thing.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

MOST eobs, sent to a patient, just show the general description of the service. Like if you have an ultrasound, it will show 'Radiology' The one thing NEVER printed on your EOBS will be the diagnosis. So, even if you have to have tests, the EOB won't say WHY you need them... Make sense? If you see a doc, or go to a clinic that only treats won't for pre-natal care, you're in some trouble. Usually the doc/clinic is listed on the statement. If they wanted to find out, they could...
Somethings are self evident.. Depending on where you live, and what insurance you have you may be able to stop the EOBs from being generated & mailed to them. You can change your address with insurance to the school's address, just leave your parent's the same.... and that would solve most of the issues as well. Because you are >18 , their are laws designed to protect you, and your privacy from you parents. If you have a hard time, speak with someone @ your insurance company, a supervisor if you have too. There is no reason this can't be on your terms... good luck.

The pharmacy

Answer 4

Actually, you may want to go to the student health center, or women's health clinic before you go to the hospital.

If you're 20, then your parents no longer have the right to see your medical records; however, you may not be able to prevent them seeing the documentation on the insurance.

Plus, there's an added complication. Even if you're covered on your parents' insurance, it's highly likely that you would NOT be covered for pregnancy. Most group policies (and ALL individual policies) -- unless required to do otherwise by the state -- will exclude pregnancy for dependents listed on the policy.

I mention that because it actually makes it MORE likely your parents will become aware of the situation. If it turns out you are pregnant, the health insurance will almost certainly (99% of the time) turn down the claim. And they'll be required to write a letter to the policyholder explaining why the claim was turned down.

Now, don't misunderstand -- I'm not suggesting you shouldn't get medical attention. But you may want to do a home test and/or (preferrably) go visit the school's student health center, or women's health clinic in the area FIRST. If you find out you're pregnant, at least you'll know what you're dealing with. Even if it's something else, it may still be something with which they can assist you. Tell them of your concerns and I think you'll find they are a lot easier to deal with than a hospital regarding this particular issue.

And good luck.

Answer 5

When your parent's recieve the EOB (Explanation of Benefits) what will likely be listed is that you were seen in hospital due to throwing up and it will list whatever tests as CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) and maybe the word "exam", it will also list how much was covered by your parent's insurance, how much is "out of pocket" If it is denied there will also be an explanation of denial. THAT is what you should be worried about. Because if you are given a pregnancy test it might NOT be covered under your parent's medical insurance, not ALL health insurances cover pregnancy tests for subcriber's children, and if it is denied your parents are going to want to know why...due to HIPPA regulations they may not be able to find out why through the insurance company...however you can rest assured they will want to know from you what the test was so that they will be better able to understand WHY the insurance didn't cover it.

Answer 6

Depends on the insurance company. Some plans only show on the Explanation of Benefits the procedure code, not telling what it is, some say "Office visit" "Lab", etc. NEVER do they put the diagnosis. The ONLY way your parents would know is if they ask YOU. (That's law.) Any hospital will not tell them, nor the insurance company. They may not even confirm or deny you were seen and treated there. That's a federal law instilled to protect patients' privacy, and it's a million dollar fine for each time it's violated.

Answer 7

everyone is right about HIPAA & contacting the ins co to ensure they do not recv your eobs. You need to understand the following: if you are not a full time student, you need to let your parents & the Ins co. know. Most ins cos will not allow dep. children over 19yrs on the Plan if not a FTS. secondly, you are elig for COBRA depending on when the time frame (event) took place that you are no longer a FTS. I only say that because I have been in the ins industry since 1989 & a lot of times college students will drop to pt time status. The day you drop to Pt time could be the day you lose coverage. Third, if you are not elig to be on your parents plan then notify the ins co, let them drop you & you will probably qualify for state help if you are pregnant unmarried & no longer elig to be on your parent's ins. most plans will allow re-enrollment of dependents for the next semester provided you are a FTS. some wait until the next open enrollment and then its usually the first of the next yr. Most plans will not add grandbabies unless the grandparents are the guardians, have custody, etc. I have never known an EOB to list a diagnosis code but the service code and the benefit type (i.e. ultrasound, e.r. etc) might be on there. communicate and good luck.

Answer 8

There's something called HIPAA law regarding PHI (Private Health Information, I believe). Each company has it's own policies regarding PHI, but if you call the company and state you are the ONLY one able to view information on the claims for yourself, then that's what they have to abide by. If your parents recieve an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) in the mail and open it, they have also violated HIPAA law.

Generally, unless you've given permission, no one else can view your health information, even if they are on the health policy. I would recommend calling the insurance company, though, and make sure no one but you can access your claim information.

Answer 9

You can ask the insurance company to keep your health information private. All jokes aside, you are 20 years old. Do you really need your parents permission to have intimate relationships?

You don't have to tell your parents that you are pregnant, however, in your case you are obligated to because you are still dependent on them. Surely, they will still know, when your baby bump starts showing. If you are not ready or embarassed, you could always make other choices.

You're an adult now, think like an adult, make adult choices, otherwise, if you still want to depend on mom and dad, tell them. They are paying for your upkeep, so you must tell them.

Answer 10

You should be covered by your parents and they won't see anything for several weeks. I had emergency gall bladder removal 9 months ago and the insurance company is just now getting around to paying it. The only insurance statement they will recieve is a list of services provided and the date and it will take several weeks before they get it. Why risk your health over your parents finding out? You aren't healthy, take care of yourself!