I just recently found out that I am pregnant. I tried to get insurance and found out that I do not qualify because it is a pre-existing condition. I work from home, so the company I work for doesnt offer insurance because I am my own boss, the same for my husband. I would really appreciate any input on what insurance I would qualify for.
I just wanted to thank everyone again for their advice. I tried every avenue I could unfortunately nothing has worked for me because I live in Oklahoma. If I lived in Illinois , I would be good to go. I looked at Maternity Card and another one similar to that and when I asked my doctor if they heard of their providers, they knew nothing. The nurse was also able to find out that the provider that they used (Three Rivers) was actually out business. I didn't want us to spend money on a benefits package and be cheated. Thanks again for all your advice
Pregnancy is NOT considered pre-existing condition as it is not an ongoing medical condition. I would fight that if I were you.
There is some confusion between group plans and individual plans. If you went to work for an employer and qualified for their group insurance - then your pregnancy would be covered. But when you are applying for individual plans, they can exclude all types of pre-existing conditions, including pregnancy. There is nothing you can "fight" - you just don't buy thier insurance. It will be difficult to find an individual/family plan (many have a ONE YEAR wait before you can become pregnant). State benefits may be your best bet, then apply for medical insurance as soon as your baby is born. PS congratulations - sorry so much stress to start your preg!
If you don't qualify for insurance go apply at your local state office. They will give you insurance and depending on your income you could get free or really cheap copays. My friend was in the same situation a couple of years ago.
Yep under the federal HIPAA Law, pregnancy cannot be considered a preexisting condition. However, do expect to pay a huge premium for any insurance that will cover maternity.
This site gives an overview of several individual insurance companies.
https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/ehi/Alliance?allid=Yah26...
Here is an overview of HIPAA
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/HealthInsReformforConsume/Download...
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about
HIPAA
About Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions
Q: Are there any situations in which exclusions are
completely prohibited?
A: Under HIPAA’s group market rules, there can be no
pre-existing condition exclusion for pregnancy, no
matter when pregnancy began and whether medical
advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended
or received for the pregnancy. An exclusion cannot be
applied to you even if your previous health plan did
not cover pregnancy.
You can go apply for state insurance. I believe that if you are pregnant and do not qualify for insurance through work you can qualify for soonercare. They have good doctors too because I had to use it with my second pregnancy.
Call Ryan at Cole, Paine & Carlin insurance. A great agent who can help you get covered.
HealthAlliance offers an HMO plan that will give coverage for maternity, if it is pre-existing I believe they cover 50%.
oh wow, let me know if you find something because my husband is work from home also, so we've been self insuring also, and everything we've found not only wouldnt accept it as a pre-existing but there is a 90 day wait and a pregancy test just to make sure you're not trying to get one over on them.
The difference on pre-existing conditions is whether you purchase private or group insurance. Private insurance can consider pregnancy a pre-existing condition. Depending on what type of plan you purchase, you may have to purchase a maternity rider, which usually has a 9 month waiting period or longer. Group insurance purchased through an employer does not consider pregnancy a pre-existing condition, as long as you enroll within 30 days of beginning employment or during the annual enrollment period. I work at an insurance company, so I have had to explain this numerous times.
As far as finding other insurance, check with the state to see if you qualify for their insurance. If not, you might try to work out a pre-payment plan with the hospital you plan to deliver at. Good luck and congratulations on the baby!
Yeah, the last lady is right. Pregnancy isn't a pre-exisiting condition. My husband got a new job when I was 5 months pregnant and I'm pretty sure it's illegal for them to deny care to an expecting mother.
You can get on Soonercare through the state. Just go to the DHS office and fill out the paperwork. It's very easy and they have to provide you with the insurance!!
Try Maternity Card. They assist in getting you good rates.
