How does HIPAA work?

[doramon1313]

Quick question, my COBRA will be running out shortly and I can't seem to get Health Insurance anywhere. I just recently found this HIPAA law, but how does it work? And will it guarantee me coverage?

TIA

[raggedyann1]

Dora,

I learned a lot about the Hippa law recently so I will try and answer you.

First off when you say your Cobra is running out soon do you mean your 18 months are running out? Or the 29 months (11 month extension available for ill people unable to work)? There are extra months available on cobra for specific situations and also in California.

When your Cobra is running out you are eligible for health insurance, but the rules are very specific.
1. You must obtain your Hippa insurance by the 63 day after your Cobra ends - no ifs ands or buts.
2. Any company selling individual or family health insurance in your state must offer you 2 different HIPPA options - they may not turn you down for prior health - meaning there is NO medical underwriting.
you should do some research on the internet and find the names of every company selling health insurance in your state. It takes several hours to do this but is worth the time spent. I found insurance agents only offer the policy they make the most commission on.

Things to double check when comparing different HIPPA policies
1. What is their medication coverage. Is it generic only? is there a deductible? is there a maximum they will pay?
2. What is the copay for doctors visits
3. What tests and procedures do they cover
4. If you have a specialist that you want to keep is he covered under the plan.

I was in for a big price shock when I shopped fro my husband. He had been on my health insurance and my cobra ran out - my medicare was starting so we didn't have to worry about me. But the cost of his medications was exremely high. I had very good health insurance thru my prior employer that was very reasonably priced - come to find out that they were a self-funded plan which is why the price was so low.
When we compared all the numbers the cheapest plan had the best coverage for medication with no limits - and that was our primary concern. It was cheaper to buy the insurance and pay the copays for the meds than it was to just pay cash for the meds and have no insurance in case of an emergency.

I hope this all made sense for you.

Take care,
Karen

[doramon1313]

THANKS!

[barefut]

Yes, Raggedy,

THANKS!!!!