health history for health insurance

[Outtahere]

Martha what kinds of things are they finding that people didn't disclose? For example, when I was 17 I had mono but it's something I always forget to put on my information at the doctors office so I figure I'll probably forget it if I ever have to apply for individual insurance. Now if years later I have liver problems could they come back and say it was because of the mono that I forgot to put on my application and hence cancel me or deny payment?

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vic I just do not think it is fair that a health history blip a long time ago can disqualify people. In car insurance etc, it all falls off the record some time. The TX high risk pool rates were not as bad as I expected. With a $5000 deductible, it is $278 for a 40 yr old to $556 for a 65 yr old non-smoker. Vicky

We just put DW into the TX high risk pool. You are correct, it is pricey but not exorbitant, and a real advantage is all they ask for is a 6 month history of what you've been treated for. There are no disclosure requirements beyond that and no waiting periods or exclusions since we are coming directly off COBRA.

Nice to know there isn't an accidental "gotcha" lurking somewhere in her future because she forgot about something on her application.

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martha Even if information in not on the MIB record, it likely is in your medical provider's file. When you apply for health insurance generally you consent to the review of all your medical files by the insurance company. So, they will have access to those files.

I once had a patient who revealed cocaine use in her medical history; it was medically relevant in her care. A couple years later she applied for life insurance and sent me a release which explicitly included releases for substance use, mental illness, etc. I complied with her request.

She then had the policy denied due to the history of cocaine use. She became irate with me and threatened to sue me. Fortunately, I kept my cool, told her that not only did I not do wrong by releasing this, but in fact I was obliged to release it upon her explicit request.

Long story short, she went away. This whole area has caused me a lot of gray hairs over the years.