Surprise Regarding Health Insurance

[BJinTX]

We have been trying to move to TV for about a year. Yesterday I decided to see if there were any changes regarding obtaining health insurance with a pre-existing condition. Well, I tried a website and the agent called me back. He told me that since I am covered under a state plan (TX high risk pool) I qualify for HIPAA and can get insurance! It would cost me alittle more than what I am paying but will be a traditional plan. My questions is - can we trust this???? We kinda want this in stone before we move. Any thoughts out there? Thank you!! BJ

[TrudyM]

We have been trying to move to TV for about a year. Yesterday I decided to see if there were any changes regarding obtaining health insurance with a pre-existing condition. Well, I tried a website and the agent called me back. He told me that since I am covered under a state plan (TX high risk pool) I qualify for HIPAA and can get insurance! It would cost me alittle more than what I am paying but will be a traditional plan. My questions is - can we trust this???? We kinda want this in stone before we move. Any thoughts out there? Thank you!! BJ

If you read the other threads about the new health care bill you can find a link to a couple of sites explaining it. If I understand it correctly under the new bill you must be offered insurance regardless of pre-existing conditions that each state will have a pool. Now what it will cost with all the changes in the rules especially as in the future (2014 I think?) all coverage must include RX coverage.

Found my file on the subject here is the quote from Kiplinger:
Starting in 2014, insurers must accept all applicants, including anyone with preexisting medical conditions.
Until then, individuals with preexisting conditions who have been uninsured for more than six months will be eligible to enroll in a national high-risk pool and receive subsidized premiums. Cost sharing will be capped at $5,950 for individuals and $11,900 for families. This could be especially helpful to early retirees in Arizona and Nevada, which do not have state high-risk pools. It could also help Floridians, because Florida's is not open to new enrollees.

I was originally, in the 4 years between when we retire and I reach 65, going to get just major medical with a high deductable in case I was hospitalized but now as I understand it,that will no longer be available. I will have to pop for the full coverage. (For me as I have no pre-existing to speak of about $400 a month.)

No expert just what I have been able to gleen so far.

[bkcunningham1]

I don't want to confuse the question with my lack of knowledge. And I'm not sure of all of the details involved in your question. But I do know that the federal pool coverage won't be available until July 1, 2010 and then, you must not have had insurance for 6 months prior to inclusion in the federal pool.

I tried to found more in regard to the Texas pool and HIPPAA, but if I were you just call the number provided and talk to someone with the state who really knows before you cancel your insurance...PLEASE.

According to information from the Texas Health Insurance Pool, "...the Federal Pool will be available only to individuals who have been uninsured throughout the 6-month period prior to their application to the Federal Pool.
"You should determine which risk pool program--state or federal--best serves your needs, based on your individual circumstances. If you have any questions about the State Pool, or the information contained in this Notice, please call our Customer Service Unit at 1.888.398.3927."

http://www.txhealthpool.org/New_Temp_Federal_Pool_Notice_REV_05-03-2010.pdf

[BJinTX]

Thank you for the information. I was wondering if it was too good to be true! When the agent called me he said that I could apply for United Health care and when I was accepted, I could use it in Texas also. To me that was a red flag - I am not dropping my insurance here! I am very happy with the high risk pool. Like I said, we need this in STONE before we can move. I will keep checking. Thank you!!!! BJ