Question:
If I change jobs for insurance to cover me, is there a waiting period?

FL Hospital insurance denied me twice. Complete exclusion. I'm not able to afford to self pay (at this time) so I'm considering changing employers. Has anyone done this before and if so, was there a pre existing condition clause? Maybe a waiting period for a new employee? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Kelly    — Kelly L. (posted on June 20, 2003)

June 20, 2003
There is a federal law, HIPAA (which stands for Health Insurance Portability and ? Act, can't remember what the first A stands for). Anyway, it prohibits an insurance company from denying you coverage for a pre-existing condition, if you have had any other insurance policy within 63 days of getting the new one. I don't know if that would also apply if they wanted to make you wait until you'd had the policy for a certain amount of time before you can have the surgery.
   — garw

June 20, 2003
I did this very thing. My new insurance came into effect on Feb. 1 2003. I had no pre-existing clause since I had a certificate of creditable coverage (thanks to the new HIPAA laws). I applied for surgery on March 10th and had surgery on June 10th. It can be done, just whatever you do DO NOT cancel your existing policy until you know you have new coverage. Good Luck!!!!!
   — lesleeloo

June 20, 2003
I also changed jobs (not due to insurance wnated to relocate)I had just been denied by BCBS.I started in May and was approved for surgery in June will be Lap Banded in 11 days! Good Luck! Lisa F
   — Lisa F.

June 20, 2003
Kelly, hi...if you would like info on how to have it done with out getting a loan and not having to change jobs email me at [email protected] and i can give you some info...
   — Calie F.