Question:
If we have a lapse in ins. coverage, is our WLS considered pre exisiting?

Ok, here's what I was wondering. I am a full time student and I'm almost Done!!!! But, I am covered under my mother's insurance company until one of two things happen. 1.) I turn 25 (which will happen Feb. 2003) or 2.) I'm no longer a full time student (i.e. graduation--which is sent for the end of spring 2002). So, here's my main question. Chances are I will have some time between graduation and actually starting a new job. So, that would result in time of being uninsured. So, is it true that if I have ANY lapse of insurance coverage, that I then have to notify the next insurance company of my WLS and then it's counted as a pre-existing condition--and that could result in a denial of coverage??    — Kristin R. (posted on December 27, 2001)

December 27, 2001
It will be very hard for you to get a straight answer on this one because insurance companies are so sneaky with all their clauses and exclusions. I have really had to research all of this due to some changes in jobs and self employed status so I will give you some info. Pre existing conditions are almost always not a problem if you are joining a group policy. If you get a job with a large company... they usually dont ask you about pre existing conditions as with a large company that has a huge employee base the law of averages is with them and will help you out. However, you cannot count on this. With your current insurance you may be able to keep your status with them for a grace period of perhaps 6 months... ask a supervisor in the customer service dept... I say a supervisor because the first people who answer the calls are the lowest paid, newest people they hire at an insurance company and almost never know what they are talking about. However, ask the question in a vague sense not giving them specifics... ask them what the grace period is 'just in case you take a 6 month sabatical from school to go work with a peace corp type organization in Arizona' and then go back to finish the last semester. Know what I mean. With the new insurance I contracted with, they gave me a 6 month grace period for having previous coverage before they would slap a pre existing clause on me. If your current company wont give you a grace period to keep your existing status, maybe you can keep paying the premiums and just not notify them of your graduation as this will give you the time you need...but of course you will have to have a job before you are 25 as they already have that information on you. Insurance is an area where too much information can hurt you... the other that comes to mind is the IRS which you will also learn about upon graduation...lol.
   — SusanMaria

December 27, 2001
It depends on the laws in your state.
   — Terissa R.

December 31, 2001
If your mom's employer has over 20 employees, then you would be eligible for COBRA. This means that when you are terminated from your mom's health plan, her employer must send you a notice and give you 60 days to sign up for coverage to remain on her plan. However, the coverage will be under your name and you must pay the entire premium for a single person. You can remain on the plan for 3 years. This would give you time to get a job and insurance with your new employer. Make sure not to have any gaps in coverage and you shouldn't have a problem with pre-existing. Check with her employer now about COBRA to find out if the employer is eligible and what the rates would be. Don't want until the last minute to handle it.
   — Patty H.