Another health care questions

[Fireup2020]

Things insurers don't want you to know - Health Care - MSNBC.com

Several health care articles came up today. This one was particularly intriguing. When a person becomes eligible for health care through their employer, is there something of a screening/application? I do not recall having to answer health questions (I do have a number of pre-existing conditions that I imagine would be a problem if I had to go get insurance on my own)

Is this screening affecting other people with insurance through their employer?

And upon retirement, does one have to start over - even if health bennies are part of the retirement package?

[Goonie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fireup2025 When a person becomes eligible for health care through their employer, is there something of a screening/application? I do not recall having to answer health questions...... And upon retirement, does one have to start over - even if health bennies are part of the retirement package?

My former employer only required a physical exam before you started the job. No one was ever turned away because of any pre-existing conditions, and they were given the same med ins benefits as the rest of the employees, and paid the same % of the premium, etc.

After retirement, there was no change in ins coverage, and everything just carried on as usual. The only thing that changed when I retired was my share of the premium went from 20% to 25%. All else remained the same. There were no post-retirement exams, screenings, or re-evaluations, or re-qualifying or anything. My dental deductible had been met before I left, and that stayed the same also...no new deductible after ER.

I don't know if that is the norm, but that's how it worked with my employer.

[Beststash]

IMHO - We have a two-tiered load of crap in our insurance industry. One set of rules for group insurance as it pertains to underwriting, and another set of rules for individual insurance. Depending on which tier you fall - rates, coverage, and I think quality of service are affected.

I have also been covered by group insurance all of my adult life through my employer. Now that they decided for "good business reasons" to cut my dependent coverage I am becoming exposed to individual insurance for DW. It is a ugly situation to say the least and you can bet that for the most part they do not want to insure you - although they are glad to take your money.

As more and more people are exposed to the "real truth" I am hoping that the uninformed realize what millions are experiencing these days - but I fear until it happens to them most will be in a state of bliss or denial.

Peace

[ndfmnlf]

One avenue worth exploring is high deductible health insurance coverage through professional societies of which you are a member. Example, the Illinois State Medical Society offers high deductible health insurance to its members with maximum benefit of $5 million. The deductible is $27K. I was quoted premiums of $120/month for family coverage. If you are fairly healthy and have $27k saved up, perhaps this in an option. A similar plan is offered by the AMA, but the deductible is $20K and the premiums are about $200/month.

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fireup2025 Things insurers don't want you to know - Health Care - MSNBC.com Several health care articles came up today. This one was particularly intriguing. When a person becomes eligible for health care through their employer, is there something of a screening/application? I do not recall having to answer health questions (I do have a number of pre-existing conditions that I imagine would be a problem if I had to go get insurance on my own) Is this screening affecting other people with insurance through their employer? And upon retirement, does one have to start over - even if health bennies are part of the retirement package?

As a federal employee I didn't have to have physicals or any kind of screening to get health insurance. I don't recall anything about an application, though there might have been one. I had to choose a health plan immediately and fill out a registration form. This was just a form showing what plan I selected, and had nothing about my health on it.

As a retiree, I will be allowed to just continue the same health plan and continue to pay the same amount as I do now. The only difference is that it will be post-tax after retirement, as opposed to pre-tax as it is for me now.

[mykidslovedogs]

Group insurance is "guaranteed issue". The only reason they might take health status information is to help the underwriters decide how much to charge for premiums....particularly with large groups...rates will depend on overall health status of the group. On small groups, some states do have some rating flexibility, where healthier groups might qualify for discounted rates...and unhealthier groups might be charged a higher premium, up to a certain percentage, above rates that are filed with the division of insurance.

With group health insurance, your coverage can't be rescinded due to a pre-existing condition..however, there can be waiting periods for coverage for pre-existing conditions....but ONLY if you have had a GAP in coverage of longer than 63 days for large group or a specified period in time (depending on the state) for small group.