Rush20
Well-known member
Hi gang. I hope all is well. I haven't posted in awhile, however I have been checking in and reading updates, etc.
I'm hoping someone who has a similar pre-existing condition (artificial aortic heart valve) can help me.
I have been working in Corporate America my whole career and have particiated in group health insurance policies through the companies I've worked for. I moved from Chicago to Sarasota, FL in 2005 two years after my OHS and my aortic valve replacement.
Recently, the company I worked for was purchased and I lost my position (Channel Sales Director) due to the new company eliminating our department. Since then (July 2010), I have been consulting and purchasing group insurance (Cigna) through the Corbra plan, however it is set to expire at the end of this year.
I have been considering joining a small firm of consultants as I enjoy the idea of working for myself vs. a corporation, however the firm does not offer a health insurance plan due to its small size. Therefore, I need to know what type of insurance options I have once the Cobra insurance expires in December.
In the state of Florida, there are currently 4 major providers; (1) Blue Cross/Blue Shield, (2) Aetna, (3) Cigna and (4) Humana. I went on-line and completed one of those insurance quote requests and then received about 2-dozen phone calls from health insurance brokers. :eek2: I picked a few to call back and soon discovered that brokers cannot present a policy with a pre-existing condition such as my heart valve. I was informed that I would need to contact each insurance company directly, however it was highly likely they would refuse me. If, and that's a big "IF", the Obama health care plan does take effect, the pre-existing condition/non-refusal clause does not go into effect until 2014.
I was hoping I could secure a high, heart-related deductable and then obtain general health and dental policies for my wife/children, etc. I would hate to think that my career options will now be limited to corporations where group insurance is available.
I appreciate any suggestions, advise, etc. from those who may have walked this path already or from any health insurance professionals.
Thanks!
Allen
I'm hoping someone who has a similar pre-existing condition (artificial aortic heart valve) can help me.
I have been working in Corporate America my whole career and have particiated in group health insurance policies through the companies I've worked for. I moved from Chicago to Sarasota, FL in 2005 two years after my OHS and my aortic valve replacement.
Recently, the company I worked for was purchased and I lost my position (Channel Sales Director) due to the new company eliminating our department. Since then (July 2010), I have been consulting and purchasing group insurance (Cigna) through the Corbra plan, however it is set to expire at the end of this year.
I have been considering joining a small firm of consultants as I enjoy the idea of working for myself vs. a corporation, however the firm does not offer a health insurance plan due to its small size. Therefore, I need to know what type of insurance options I have once the Cobra insurance expires in December.
In the state of Florida, there are currently 4 major providers; (1) Blue Cross/Blue Shield, (2) Aetna, (3) Cigna and (4) Humana. I went on-line and completed one of those insurance quote requests and then received about 2-dozen phone calls from health insurance brokers. :eek2: I picked a few to call back and soon discovered that brokers cannot present a policy with a pre-existing condition such as my heart valve. I was informed that I would need to contact each insurance company directly, however it was highly likely they would refuse me. If, and that's a big "IF", the Obama health care plan does take effect, the pre-existing condition/non-refusal clause does not go into effect until 2014.
I was hoping I could secure a high, heart-related deductable and then obtain general health and dental policies for my wife/children, etc. I would hate to think that my career options will now be limited to corporations where group insurance is available.
I appreciate any suggestions, advise, etc. from those who may have walked this path already or from any health insurance professionals.
Thanks!
Allen