HIPAA questions

[Becky]

Cobra is almost ready to run out so looking for insurance. Looks like I am looking at HIPAA. Is anyone else here under HIPAA and would you mind sharing some info with me? Did you apply online or what agency did you go through? Thanks!

Becky

[Mikeod]

Becky,
I don't believe HIPAA is an insurance program. It is a law that governs the privacy of your health information.

[Russ_Boston]

Becky,
I don't believe HIPAA is an insurance program. It is a law that governs the privacy of your health information.

The P in HIPAA is for portablity and it ensures that you can continue your health insurance (COBRA) when you leave jobs (but only for a limited time).

You'll have to shop for private coverage I would think.

Anyone else have ideas?

[elevatorman]

Check here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_Insurance_Portability_and_Accountability_Ac t

[Becky]

Under HIPAA some companies will cover you for pre-existing conditions. You are in a pool with other high-risk people and pay very high rates. To keep the coverage I have today on Cobra with Blue Cross/Blue Shield will cost me between $1100 to $1200 a month. Not acceptable!

Anyone have United Health One - Golden Rule? Or GEHA? Have more research to do! Thanks!

Becky

[Number 6]

You can limit your problem with pre existing conditions if you have a Certificate of Credible Coverage. Let’s say you have a group policy from BCBS in NY and move to Florida. You go to BCBS of Florida to seek individual coverage. Usually there is 6 – 12 month exclusion for pre existing conditions. If you can show that you have similar coverage they must (under HIPAA) waive the pre existing condition exclusion. Check out this web site from DOL,

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_hipaa.html

Hope it helps.

[Sherman931]

HIPPA stands for Health Information Protection and Portability Act. It has to do with privacy and protection of medical records and health related information It is not and insurance company and is not involved in the actual delivery of health care either by private insurers or the government. Its rules control/regulates who can access/obtain your health care info

[bkcunningham1]

Becky, were you a state employee and now covered under a State Health Benefit Plan through COBRA?

[Number 6]

Its rules control/regulates who can access/obtain your health care info


And a whole, whole lot more! I spent ten years working with that little gem of legislation. And it was referred to as "administrative simplification"!!!! Thank you, Sen. Kennedy.

[Becky]

No I was employed with the schools. HIPAA is not just for privacy.
This from the website:


"HIPAA should be a last resort

If you are coming off COBRA and meet the conditions itemized below you can qualify for HIPAA which is a continuation of COBRA. You will find however, that HIPAA is even more expensive then COBRA. So unless you have some pretty major preexisting conditions don't waste your time even considering HIPAA.

The rates on a HIPAA plan are more then double those of a typical major medical plan (at a minimum!). Most plans are high deductible health insurance plans. All insurance companies doing business in Florida offer them however the health insurance company is only required to offer two (2) of their most popular plans. So the selection of plans is not great."

Have an appointment to talk to an insurance saleperson again. We'll see what happens! Know there are others out there who are or will face the same thing!

Thanks!

Becky

[Russ_Boston]

This from the website:

Becky - could you please post the link of the site this was from? Thanks.

I have to qualify for HIPAA certification every year (In two different medical jobs) and I never saw where this act had anything to do with offering insurance. But I could be wrong.

[bkcunningham1]

Becky - could you please post the link of the site this was from? Thanks.

I have to qualify for HIPAA certification every year (In two different medical jobs) and I never saw where this act had anything to do with offering insurance. But I could be wrong.


Here it is Russ. I just Googled a phrase from her previous post. The portability part of HIPPA covering extending insurance after COBRA when you have pre-existing conditions...I think is what it means. It doesn't mean there is an insurance company called HIPAA or that HIPAA offers insurance, just that certain companies offereing extended coverage for pre-existing conditions after COBRA. It is like having uninsured motorist insurance and tags on your vehicle or high-risk insurance after DUI charges may be a better example. Only certain insurance companies are willing to take the risk of coverage and you have to pay to have coverage through these companies...I mean pay big.

http://www.florida-health-quotes.com/special-risk.html

[Becky]

Thanks bkcunningham1! That is it exactly! Appreciate your help. We'll see what happens. Have an appointment on the 25th.

Becky

[SALYBOW]

Where do I find out about HIPAA? I am pating through the nose and getting almost nothing for my insurance. :shrug:

[Russ_Boston]

Here it is Russ. I just Googled a phrase from her previous post. The portability part of HIPPA covering extending insurance after COBRA when you have pre-existing conditions...I think is what it means. It doesn't mean there is an insurance company called HIPAA or that HIPAA offers insurance, just that certain companies offereing extended coverage for pre-existing conditions after COBRA. It is like having uninsured motorist insurance and tags on your vehicle or high-risk insurance after DUI charges may be a better example. Only certain insurance companies are willing to take the risk of coverage and you have to pay to have coverage through these companies...I mean pay big.

http://www.florida-health-quotes.com/special-risk.html

Ok, that makes sense.

[tumbleweed]

Several issues have been raised on this thread. HIPAA is a law, not an insurance plan or company. Assuming you are seeking info about individual health insurance for someone who has high-risk pre-existing conditions post COBRA, consider the Florida Comprehensive Health Association which is one of 35 state insurance pools/associations for persons who cannot get health insurance otherwise. The Florida plan was closed, but I believe it is has been reopened.

Be sure to get the Certificate of Credible Coverage from the COBRA plan so there will not be waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. The premium will not be cheap, but assuming you have been paying the full COBRA premium, you may not be totally shocked by the cost.

Not good news, but likely to be the only option available until Medicare eligibility is reached.