Health Insurance Questions

I figured I'd ask this here; there are some pretty smart people here.

It appears to me that for the first time in my life, I do not have health insurance. I had it until earlier this semester when I had to drop a class that took me down to a part time student, and I will have it again starting in August.

Is it possible to get health insurance for only 3 months, or will they hit me with a huge fine for that? I looked up quotes, they don't look too bad for me.

Normally I wouldn't even think about this, but I think that I will have to have my wisdom teeth removed soon, so I should at least look into getting Dental.

I have in the past bought temporary health insurance and it wasn't bad (at that time). One problem you may incur in the near future with a lapse of coverage is that you may now be subject to the nefarous "pre-existing condition" exclusion once you get a policy.

Dental is usually separate from health insurance and isn't too expensive. But it doesn't cover a lot of the expense for wisdom tooth extraction (at least ours doesn't).

spitfirebill wrote: One problem you may incur in the near future with a lapse of coverage is that you may now be subject to the nefarous "pre-existing condition" exclusion once you get a policy.

What would qualify as a pre-existing condition? I don't have anything--don't smoke, don't drink, don't have any asthma/diabetes/back problems, etc... Anything I'd need to be wary of?

For instance, when I had to get coverage when I was contract labor, they specifically excluded any headache/head pain type problems from being covered.

I wrecked my R6 at Hallett and ended up with a Grade 3 concussion and post-concussion syndrome, which is why they denied.

mtn wrote:

spitfirebill wrote: One problem you may incur in the near future with a lapse of coverage is that you may now be subject to the nefarous "pre-existing condition" exclusion once you get a policy.

What would qualify as a pre-existing condition? I don't have anything--don't smoke, don't drink, don't have any asthma/diabetes/back problems, etc... Anything I'd need to be wary of?

Sounds like you may be good to go. If you had been seeing a Dr for asthma, diabetes etc within the past year, it could throw you into the pre-existing conditions category.

But, I had a co-worker years ago whose wife went to a specialist in Tx, because she was having bad headaches. She was from Tx and knew the Dr, but she was living in SC at the time. The insurance co asked her if she had had headaches before (duh) and she said yes. Bam, pre-existing condition. But, this was one of the worst insurance companies I have ever seen and may not be typical of all.

The rules on this change from time to time. And I believe this is one of the things our new president is trying to improve. Its better now than it was when my friend got screwed.

BTW, I am no expert in insurance.

mtn wrote: Normally I wouldn't even think about this, but I think that I will have to have my wisdom teeth removed soon, so I should at least look into getting Dental.

You can get really inexpensive "major medical" policies. But, they only cover major medical events and usually have high co-pays or dedictibles.

You can also get normal policies. They cost a bit more. And typically, they have small-print regarding coverage in the first month or two. They might also require a 6-month or 12-month commitment (I don't know, haven't shopped for one).

Also, I'm pretty sure that wisdom teeth are seldom covered by medical policies (or dental, for that matter). They might cover fully impacted teeth that need surgical removal, but be sure read the fine print.

adamthomson869 said: v

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spitfirebill wrote: I have in the past bought temporary health insurance and it wasn't bad (at that time). One problem you may incur in the near future with a lapse of coverage is that you may now be subject to the nefarous "pre-existing condition" exclusion once you get a policy. Dental is usually separate from health insurance and isn't too expensive. But it doesn't cover a lot of the expense for wisdom tooth extraction (at least ours doesn't).

Pre-existing is going away anyways, i wouldn't worry about it.

Zombie thread gents.

Well E36 M3.

I'VE BEEN HAD.

is zombism considered a pre-existing condition?

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: Pre-existing is going away anyways, i wouldn't worry about it.

That's what you think.

mad_machine wrote: is zombism considered a pre-existing condition?

Good question. There hasn't been a consistent cure found yet, so once it exists, it'll always exist. I'd imagine that the insurance company wouldn't pay for treatment if you became a zombie during a lapse in coverage.

On top of that, any treatments would be considered "experimental" or "Not medically necessary" as there have been no proven cures.

So, pre-existing or not, zombie treatment not covered.

carguy123 wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: Pre-existing is going away anyways, i wouldn't worry about it.

That's what you think.

Unless something changes, that's what i know. We're already disbanding our pre-existing-specific areas at work and cutting down the workforce dedicated to those cases.

carguy123 wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: Pre-existing is going away anyways, i wouldn't worry about it.

That's what you think.

I think he was being sarcastic

wbjones wrote:

carguy123 wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: Pre-existing is going away anyways, i wouldn't worry about it.

That's what you think.

I think he was being sarcastic

I hope so.

Am i missing something?

As of right now, starting January 1st, 2014, denying coverage due to a pre-existing condition will no longer be legal.

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: Am i missing something? As of right now, starting January 1st, 2014, denying coverage due to a pre-existing condition will no longer be legal.

YES, but that would require this thread to get political. Or what passes for political to the moderators. Facts are facts, that doesn't make them political, but somehow it does on this forum.

Let me just say there's a whole lot more to it than your statement.

carguy123 wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: Am i missing something? As of right now, starting January 1st, 2014, denying coverage due to a pre-existing condition will no longer be legal.

YES, but that would require this thread to get political. Or what passes for political to the moderators. Facts are facts, that doesn't make them political, but somehow it does on this forum. Let me just say there's a whole lot more to it than your statement.

I'm aware... It's my job.

Fair enough though. I'll leave the zombie thread alone now.

I have never been denied coverage due to my pre-existing conditions.. but the rates that they caused were significantly more than I could afford if I wanted to have a roof over my head and still be able to eat

that's what I've found ... that's why COBRA is the least expensive and best coverage I can get .... ( medicare in 16 mo. )