Health Insurance

[NBtoPitt 2]

A while ago a very helpful forum member gave me some information about getting healthcare as a type 1 diabetic in the US and what I can expect with my upkeep while I'm down there. I'm getting closer to moving now, and I'd like to hear your stories about how you got coverage - especially if you have a pre-existing condition. We're moving to Pittsburgh and I'm just terrified that I won't be able to get it. I have a letter from my insurance provider here stating that I'm covered until I'm 25 as long as I'm a full-time student (and can prove I was a student in the 2009-2010 year) but it's in my maiden name. Will that be a problem? Please let me know what you think. Thanks!

[SapphireDreams 71]

Does your husband have insurance? If so, does he have an open enrollment coming up when he can add you to his plan?

[Married2009 32]

I have insurance thru my work. I would have been able to add my husband when he gets here, as long as he could prove that he had had insurance prior to moving here, and that by moving here, he lost coverage. It was listed under life changing events. (We were worried that he couldn't get a letter about the insurance, so I put him on mine at the first of the year.)

[NBtoPitt 2]

My husband begins coverage in August from his university, and he is allowed to put spouses and children on it. I think that they do use the term "open enrollment" for the upcoming time in August. The letter won't say that I'm only losing coverage because I'm moving... I'm technically losing coverage because I will no longer be a student. Will that be a problem?

[Colleens 40]

I have been having similar issues relating to another pre-existing condition, and what I have found out is that as long as you had previous insurance that covered that pre-existing insurance they can not deny you coverage. The only problem with this is that sometimes the rates can be pretty outstanding. (For individual insurance with a maternity rider I was quoted at $2450 per MONTH!) Since it looks like you will be able to get coverage with your husbands plan in the fairly near future there are short term plans that you can look into that can be more affordable. I would suggest finding an insurance broker in the area you are moving to and starting to research plans and rates now.