What can a type-1 diabetic do for short term health insurance?
My girlfriend, a type-1 diabetic, was at a miserable job for 3 months waiting to begin health insurance. After putting up with it for that long, she had to quit. Now, most other jobs she has been interviewing at require a 3 month wait until health coverage starts. What can we do to get her health insurance in-between jobs, even though she has a “pre-existing condition”? I am worried about something happening to her in the meantime and we need to get her insured. Short of getting married and adding her to my plan, are there any viable alternatives? Thanks.
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Most states have a “COBRA” program that lets you continue your ex-employer’s insurance program for a period of time (typically 12-18 months) after your job ends. You are responsible for paying 100% of the premiums plus a small administrative fee. The insurance company cannot stop covering you just because you are no longer employed with the company. You must signup for this coverage within 30 days of the end of your employment.
Some states (like Texas) have laws that require insurance companies to cover everyone regardless of pre-existing conditions. I don’t know the exact details of this, but you could look into the residency requirements in various states with these laws.
Most insurance companies have open enrollment periods in January. My best advice would be for her to find a new job quickly. In the meantime, prepare to pay out of pocket for insulin, blood test strips and any pills she needs. Besides insulin, the best treatments for diabetes are diet and exercise, both of wich are free. Look on the Internet for online pharmacies (like the Canadian ones) that offer lower price drugs.
It realy depends on what state you live in. Some states do not have restrictions for pre existing conditions……
HIPPA doesnt allow diabetes to be considered pre-existing