Posted by Tabitha on January 7, 2005, at 14:47:58
I've been buying a group plan under COBRA, and I called the company about converting to an individual plan. They said I had to apply with a full health history and could be refused. I assume I'm likely to be refused due to having a bipolar II dx and using the coverage for therapy (it's a parity diagnosis in my state, so they were paying LOTS of the cost for me-- much more than my monthly premium).
The insurance company didn't mention HIPAA at all (gee I wonder why) but from the information I found, after my COBRA runs out I can't be denied indivdual coverage due to HIPAA. However it says the rates are high.
So does anyone know if I've got the story straight? I have the impression I can apply to any company that offers individual plans and they can't deny me. Did anyone try this, and were the rates outrageous? I'll call the insurance co again, but it seems they're less than forthcoming about this option.
poster:Tabitha
thread:439051
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050106/msgs/439051.html