If there were a way for me to delete my last two replies in this thread, I'd do it. (IS THERE? I've never found it if there is.)

Aussie, accept my apology for my part in hi-jacking this thread.

I have Kaiser, and Cave I read your blog post about what happens when you get into litigation with them. I guess that's your reason for not using them as an insurer?

At any rate, I've had Kaiser since birth, and prior to that, my parents have had them for a good 40 or so years.

If Kaiser is your only choice, versus no insurance, or higher premiums becuase you're not using the insurance your employer provides, you may not have much choice.

Also...I'd be hard pressed to find ANY insurer that performs perfectly every time and has little to no greivances or complaints against them.

m2lr----- I'm sure there are many people who love Kaiser.

I've never been in litigation with Kaiser.

I'm not saying you have...just that it's your reason to not use them as an insurer in case you ever need to go into litigation with them? That and their "golden handcuffs" that their doctors are subjected to?

I guess I am just confused as to why you'd suggest that no one use them...is it becuase of their litigation stalling, or whatever?

I'm not saying that I love them as my insurer, but looking at the costs between them and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, I cannot afford their premiums, copays and the like. Kaiser, I can.

I'm sorry but this conversation has strayed from the original topic.

But I'll be glad to start a new one with the proviso that it isn't considered off topic for this forum. Better yet, I'll continue in my journal then only people who are actually looking for Kaiser information can find it there.

Meh, nevermind.

"Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) applies to employer-based and commercially issued group health insurance only. HIPAA is the only federal law that directly addresses the issue of genetic discrimination. There is no similar law applying to private individuals seeking health insurance in the individual market.

Prohibits group health plans from using any health status-related factor, including genetic information, as a basis for denying or limiting eligibility for coverage or for charging an individual more for coverage.

Limits exclusions for preexisting conditions in group health plans to 12 months and prohibits such exclusions if the individual has been covered previously for that condition for 12 months or more.

States explicitly that genetic information in the absence of a current diagnosis of illness shall not be considered a preexisting condition.

Doesn't prohibit employers from refusing to offer health coverage as part of their benefits packages.

For more information see HIPAA information from US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or the HIPAAdvisory Web site."

http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/legislat.shtml

Any folks in the US who are seriously looking into obtaining health insurance, please check out your state of residence department of insurance website and find an agent who can walk you through how both federal and state laws apply to a specific types of insurance.