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HELP - Is there any way to get health insurance other than through employer?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 1/28/2010 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
I have been trying, but gave up for a while, but now it is imperative that I get insurance immediately due to impending divorce.  Have there been any new developments in the insurance industry over the last year that allows Crohn's people to get an individual policy?
Posted 1/28/2010 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
Other than getting it thru an employer or thru disability, I think its pretty difficult for Crohnies to find an insurance company to cover them. If the company does cover them, it will be very expensive. I am wondering if Cobra is a option for you if you are losing the insurance from your former spouse? Hopefully one of the insurance folks will be along soon with more info. Good luck!
Posted 1/28/2010 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Nanners. I am holding my breath at this point hoping for a miracle. I try to imagine myself living without insurance, and it is scary as H#*@. My poor husband wants to get this divorce done once and for all, and I just keep stalling. I feel terrible. My employer cannot afford to get coverage for us (just 2 employees).

I heard that I could get a business license and get under the group plan at Sam's Club, but they say that's not the case.
Anyone ever heard that one?
Posted 1/29/2010 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
If you are covered by your husband's health insurance plan, you are entitled to COBRA coverage upon divorce. It can be costly, but it is better than no coverage. You can read about your rights here:
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.HTML  and here:
http://family-law.lawyers.com/divorce/COBRA-Health-Coverage-and-Divorce-FAQs.html

Also, your divorce attorney should be able to explain your rights regarding this. Also, if your husband really wants a divorce, what about having him help pay for the cost of the COBRA coverage?
Posted 1/29/2010 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
As Ides said, your best bet is for COBRA, as the overwhelming majority of insurance companies won't let you in due to CD. It's expensive but it's probably your best bet. Your state may have an insurance program for those in need, you might want to check into that. I know that Minnesota has MNCare, and is available for those without affordable insurance.
Posted 1/29/2010 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Do you have a contested divorce? The judge can order that your husband's employer continue to provide you health insurance as part of your alimony. You can come to this decision in mediation as well. You guys can debate whether he pays the premium or you do but it is all part of "spousal support." Even if you are not having him pay you support, you can still make the insurance part of the decree.
Posted 1/29/2010 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
high risk pools

www.naschip.org/states_pools.htm
Posted 1/29/2010 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
I went to this website and got excited. I live in Iowa and was hoping that Crohn's would be a medical condition but nothing is listed - do you know if there are exceptions?

My COBRA expires March 1 and I'm freaked out as I'm unemployed .. I am well enough to work now and trying to get a job with benefits FAST ...

Any ideas?
Posted 1/29/2010 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
I just recently got my own insurance policy through Aetna. I had heard that they were easing up a bit on the pre-existing disease restriction and I guess they are ! They rated me up a bit because of my Crohn's, but it is still much cheaper than the high risk pool I was in and it is much better insurance - a PPO with unlimited doctor visits, etc. In the high risk pool I was only allowed 5 visits a year - which can go by pretty quickly. Good Luck !
Posted 1/29/2010 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
I have insurance through my state's high risk pool. I had it in Oregon and now in Washington. Not all states have it, but many do. Looks like a link has already been posted. I've had good coverage on both plans.
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