Question:
Should I look into anouther insurance company before my cobra runs out?

My cobra ins. runs out the end of March and I wanted to know if I should look into getting a new policy before I run out. Does it make a difference on whether a new company will except me? I may not be able to afford it anyway but maybe I should be looking into it? If I wait say six months after cobra before I see about more ins. can that make it harder to purchase? Open RNY,distal,transected. 14 month out and down 157 lbs. 50 more to go. Thanks, Deb Holder    — Deb H. (posted on March 9, 2002)

March 9, 2002
Allowing a gap between insurance policies is costly and problematic when it comes to pre-existing conditions, i.e. chronic diagnoses like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc. One should always try to move from one coverage directly to the next without any lapse to avoid being excluded for pre-existing conditions. If I were you, I would look closely at trying to keep the same coverage at the individual rate, or seek another coverage to begin April 1. You have had great weight loss success and should you need any further revision or reconstructive procedures, you would feel more secure having unlapsed coverage. Good luck!
   — JoanneML

March 9, 2002
Have to jump in and agree. Federal law (Health Insurance Portability and ?) mandates that if you go directly from one insurance policy to another, they can't use any pre-existing conditions clauses against you. If there's any way you can get a policy to kick in the day after your COBRA runs out, do it. It wouldn't even have to be something you wanted to stay with. Just so you have insurance w/o any interruptions.
   — garw