I had dcis over 10 years ago and had saline implants which were removed four years ago. I have new insurance and just had surgery for removal of capsule due to chronic seromas. My insurance comapny is now alluding to denial of clain due to pre-exising condition. I thought the Breast Act of 1998 protected women. Is this legal? Thank you
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Q: Can insurance deny coverage for breast cancer as pre-existing?
Answers (4)
6/22/08 5:29pm
Sorry, I'm not familiar with all the ins and outs of the laws concerning insurance coverage of breast cancer as a "pre-existing condition." Anyone else out there had any experience with this? - PJH
6/22/08 8:34pm
I live in Canada, where we have universal health care. However, I was turned down for life insurance - the cancer was diagnosed just as my insurance was about to be approved.
Sorry I can't be of more help with this one.
Laurie
6/22/08 10:01pm
Hi - I found some links that might prove helpful (below).
Laurie, I got turned down for life insurance, too - darn! I had such a good policy for awhile there - If I'd died I would have been rich! Oh well...
The Patient Advocate Foundation (http://www.patientadvocate.org), established by breast cancer survivor Nancy Davenport-Ennis, fields telephone calls via its hotline (800-532-5274) and assigns a case manager who sticks with you until the coverage problem is solved, whether that means one telephone call or dozens.
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (http://www.cancercare.org) provides similar assistance through its toll-free number (877-622-7937) and also helps callers locate legal resources to solve insurance problems when the need arises.
The American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org), in the Cancer Resource Center section of its Web site, provides basic information on paying for chemotherapy, tips for keeping track of your insurance information, and "A Primer On Insurance Coverage for Women with Breast Cancer." Its information line (800-ACS-2345) is staffed by volunteers who will provide the same information by telephone.
6/24/08 8:27am
Sorry to get totally off base here - But Laurie I too found out I had cancer the day before we were to sign life ins. papers. Since then (even though I have been unable to stay in remission for 5 yrs - my cancer returned just after 3) I have found a place called Globe Life that insuranced me no questions asked for $50,000
And, BHAm - I do beleive that there is some clause under the Federal Act that breast cancer cannot be counted as a pre-existing condition. Which I hope is true, cause god help us all if my hubby were to ever lose his job. But I do recall reading that somewhere. I just can't find the article in the million links I have saved. If I find it I will PM it to you, ok!
In the meantime I hope you are able to get an answer soon!
Angi
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By bham— Last Modified: 03/08/11, First Published: 06/22/08
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