for the insurance experts. Can an insurance company drop coverage if you move?

09/15/08

Hopeful

Topics:insurance

Hi and thank you so much for the advice. I have been on Remicade for 3 years and the cost is very expensive every 8 weeks. My insurance company covers everything, I have Aetna PPO personal plan purchased in PA. I am moving to Florida and am concerned about the change in coverage. I am worried that if I tell the insurance company that I am moving they will either raise the rates or drop me. I was told by an agent that I would have to reapply with the new address and now I would have a pre existing condition. I have never missed a payment and am current. Is this legal for the insurance co to make you reapply with a pre existing or will they just continue the coverage in a different state? If I am dropped the cost will be too high for me to continue my treatment and if they consider me a pre existing with RA on Remicade I am sure the insurance premium will be over the top. Please advise

Thank you so very much for your help.

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Answers (2)

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

AmyAria

I was in HR for years, but at this point that was several years back. But here's what you need to ask about; COBRA coverage. You may be eligible, check with either your HR department or your insurance company. If eligible you will be offered continued coverage at your own expense. It can be pricey but can still beat the heck out of being without. You typically have 90 days to elect this before having to commit too. When and if you are able to aquire new coverage either with a new employer, or under a spouses employer, you can cancel your COBRA coverage when the policy becomes effective. This way you also have no lapse in coverage, which you also don't want. Definitely don't be afraid to ask. If you are eligible, COBRA can keep you covered!

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Thursday, November 06, 2008

HaveMercy

As a former insurance agent, administrator and current RA patient, I am sad to say that COBRA does not apply to individual health plans. It will only apply to a group health plan which is obtained through an employer. Your best bet is to call your insurance company (not your agent) and ask them what, if any, your options are in order to keep your plan. There would be no need to give them definite details, just tell them you are asking in general as you may relocated in a 'couple of years'.