Join Now
Sign In
What do you do when you have a monthly medical premium of $1200 because of pre-existing conditions (cancer). No one will take me at the normal rate?
Topic Tags:
Topic Tags:
Diseases:
Diseases:
1
Expert Answers
PatientAdvocateFoundation (Organization (Verified) ) - 07 / 25 / 2012
Outside costly COBRA benefits and high premium guarantee issue and conversation plans, currently, the options that will bring the best cost savings tend to be around enrolling in group health insurance. This can be a challenge with an self-employed individual but groups like the National Association for the Self Employed (www.nase.org) offer insurance options for members. I do not know your employment status but wanted to point this out to you or others who may benefit. If you don’t already carry a high risk pool plan you can explore the following list outlining states that have risk pool insurance outside the already offered PCIP plans mentioned in a moment below athttp://www.naschip.org/states_pools.htm. These plans run differently and allow individuals with creditable coverage options to secure insurance when other options are not available due to pre-existing health conditions. These plans will also allow you to enroll if your current premium is higher than their premium.
Until the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enacts affordability across the country, premium rates can remain a challenge for patients such as yourself with a pre-existing health condition. ACA did bring into place Pre-Existing Insurance Plans (PCIP) for those without access to affordable coverage however with your current insurance you wouldn't qualify - you must be uninsured for 6 months or longer (www.pcip.gov). In 2014, we will see exchanges entering the market as well as the lift on pre-existing health clause on adults and affordability as well as other insurance options should improve. With the Supreme Court ruling states are deciding if they will be expanding their Medicaid guidelines to include up to 133% of the federal poverty level- perhaps you fall within that guideline?
There are no known premium assistance programs for breast cancer that I am aware of, however there are two co-pay relief programs that maybe of assistance that could help offset the cost of your premium by bring support to your pharmaceutical out-of-pocket cost.
• Patient Access Network Foundation (PANF)866-316-7263/www.panfoundation.org
• Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program 866-512-3861/www.copays.org
Additionally, you may find benefit in using our online tool, the National Underinsured Resource Directory is intended to intelligently narrow the vast and overwhelming number of potential local, state and national resources. By sorting based on specific information, this online tool helps to navigate and identify valuable tools as you seek alternative coverage options or methods for better reimbursement. www.patientadvocate.org/underinsured
Until the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enacts affordability across the country, premium rates can remain a challenge for patients such as yourself with a pre-existing health condition. ACA did bring into place Pre-Existing Insurance Plans (PCIP) for those without access to affordable coverage however with your current insurance you wouldn't qualify - you must be uninsured for 6 months or longer (www.pcip.gov). In 2014, we will see exchanges entering the market as well as the lift on pre-existing health clause on adults and affordability as well as other insurance options should improve. With the Supreme Court ruling states are deciding if they will be expanding their Medicaid guidelines to include up to 133% of the federal poverty level- perhaps you fall within that guideline?
There are no known premium assistance programs for breast cancer that I am aware of, however there are two co-pay relief programs that maybe of assistance that could help offset the cost of your premium by bring support to your pharmaceutical out-of-pocket cost.
• Patient Access Network Foundation (PANF)866-316-7263/www.panfoundation.org
• Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program 866-512-3861/www.copays.org
Additionally, you may find benefit in using our online tool, the National Underinsured Resource Directory is intended to intelligently narrow the vast and overwhelming number of potential local, state and national resources. By sorting based on specific information, this online tool helps to navigate and identify valuable tools as you seek alternative coverage options or methods for better reimbursement. www.patientadvocate.org/underinsured
Similar Questions
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Add Answer
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Share Conversation
To tell people about this conversation, type their email addresses here (separated by commas):
From:
Add a personal note here:
Breast Cancer Updates
Sign up for our
Breast Cancer
updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts.
Ads keep TalkAboutHealth freeadvertisement
Similar Questions
Updates
Sign up for email updates of the latest news, best answers, and featured experts.
Benefits
Custom health, wellness, & medical offers from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities & new programs.
SHARE Support
1) Call SHARE at: 866-891-2392
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
3 Quick Ways You Can Help
1) Spread the word! Tell people you think might want some support. Tell medical professionals, health providers, and organizations.
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
View All Newsletters
