divorcing, losing health benefits.BCBS turned down twice. where do you go from here?
I am losing my health benefits through divorce and tried to sign onto a single policy through Blue Cross Blue Shield .I was turned down twice even with my physician's request the second time. Which company should I try next? I would like to have my own single policy if possible.any suggestions????????????Is Cobra the only avenue?
Hi jmcattts,
Welcome to Health Central. I'm so sorry that you are both going through a divorce and losing access to your spouse's health insurance coverage.
Just in case you hadn't thought of it, sometimes folks negotiated continued health insurance coverage during a divorce. But that would mean that your ex-spouse would receive your statements and bills too.
Not knowing which state you live in, I suggest going to this page of the Foundation for Heatlh Coverage Education. You can conduct a search for insurance companies and programs available in your area. Some states have a high-risk insurance pool and some others require at least one insurance company to offer a guaranteed policy to those previously turned down.
Find out if you would be eligible for COBRA coverage through your previous insurance company. It is expensive, but so is an individual policy when you have a pre-existing condition such as MS. Our fellow blogger Mandy wrote recently about the costs of individual coverage for an MS patient in the state of Virginia.
I also wrote about private health insurance which I had obtained in Virginia 8 years ago. The difference between group policies and individuals policies is large. Whenever possible, I would recommend maintaining access to a group policy if at all possible.
Please let us know how your search continues.
Lisa
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