Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Health Insurance & pre-existing conditions

Blessed0507
Blessed0507
My husband is starting a new job on Monday (last day with former employer was two days ago).

I was diagnosed with RA while he was employed 3 years ago with his former employer so I didn't have any issues with coverage.

Now, I'm reading two different things on pre-existing conditions. This article from the Dept. of Labor says that the new group insurance can deny me coverage for up to 12 months because I have been treated for my condition within the past 6 months.

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_hipaa.html

However, this article states that as of 1/1/14 "the ACA requires new and grandfathered group plans to eliminate pre-existing condition exclusions for everyone."

http://101.communitycatalyst.org/key-regulation-concepts/pre-existing-conditions

Which is correct? Or am I missing more information?
stephgas
stephgas
the info on the DOL site specifies it has not been updated with information from the affordable care act.

one of the absolute BEST things about the ACA is that no one can be denied coverage because of a preexisting medical condition. check out this link:

https://www.healthcare.gov/health-care-law-protections/pre-existing-conditions/

you'll be fine :)
bcatz
bcatz
but keep in mind that they can deny the same treatment medications or possibly require you to change things up. You may have to fight to keep things the same. Hopefully it won't be an issue for you though!
depotblue
depotblue
"Being sick won't keep you from getting coverage" (employer or group coverage).... "It doesnt matter whether youre being treated for a pre-existing or new health condition."

isn't it a thing of beauty to read THAT?
GabrielAngel
GabrielAngel
As long as you don't have a gap in coverage that is 30 days or longer they can't deny you for pre-existing (at least that is how is used to be).

Good luck
stephgas
stephgas
gabriel, the ACA changed that - no one can be denied coverage for preexisting conditions.

depot - it IS a thing of beauty :)
vetteme4
vetteme4
The one thing that may hurt is your deductible and out of pocket expense. Best of luck to you!
lynnedavidson3
lynnedavidson3
I changed insurance last year, I went out an got myself an individual plan, because Kaiser rhuemys kept telling me I did not have RA in my feet, and were trying to cut me off my RA meds.
Pre-existing conditions are only a consideration of life insurance.
depotblue
depotblue
well now, anyway....:) - it was no so long ago that they were a standard operating clause or hardship i should say