Ohio
I was insured at the time of my diagnosis. Shortly there after I left my job and was uninsured until my current coverage began, which was a span of approximately 6 months. I was unaware of the insurance laws for pre-existing conditions until I received my first statement from the insurance company denying payment because of my "pre-existing condition". I was under the impression that insurance companies could not deny coverage for a "pre-existing condition" if the patient was insured at the time of the diagnosis. Unfortunately, I found out that there is a federal law that gives the insurance company the right to deny coverage if the patient went for a period of more than 60 days without insurance coverage. Is my understanding of this law correct? Is it true that my insurance company will not ever pay for any procedure related to my "pre-existing condition"? My condition is one that I will suffer from for the rest of my life, it may even take my life. Because of this, will I ever be able to attain health insurance coverage that will cover expenses related to my condition? It upsets me to know that, if I simply would have known of this "federal law" I could have continued coverage through the COBRA option with my last employer until my current coverage began. Do I have any options? Or am I stuck paying for insurance that doesn't cover what I need it to pay for? If I have to continue paying "out of pocket" I won't be able to afford to continue my current treatment. If any one can offer some assistance, I would be eternally greatful.
I was insured at the time of my diagnosis. Shortly there after I left my job and was uninsured until my current coverage began, which was a span of approximately 6 months. I was unaware of the insurance laws for pre-existing conditions until I received my first statement from the insurance company denying payment because of my "pre-existing condition". I was under the impression that insurance companies could not deny coverage for a "pre-existing condition" if the patient was insured at the time of the diagnosis. Unfortunately, I found out that there is a federal law that gives the insurance company the right to deny coverage if the patient went for a period of more than 60 days without insurance coverage. Is my understanding of this law correct? Is it true that my insurance company will not ever pay for any procedure related to my "pre-existing condition"? My condition is one that I will suffer from for the rest of my life, it may even take my life. Because of this, will I ever be able to attain health insurance coverage that will cover expenses related to my condition? It upsets me to know that, if I simply would have known of this "federal law" I could have continued coverage through the COBRA option with my last employer until my current coverage began. Do I have any options? Or am I stuck paying for insurance that doesn't cover what I need it to pay for? If I have to continue paying "out of pocket" I won't be able to afford to continue my current treatment. If any one can offer some assistance, I would be eternally greatful.