Hey all,
I just found out my new insurance through my new employer is giving me a 6 month pre-existing condition exclusion to my benefits.

Of course i am quite peeved off about this and want to know if any body here has had ANY success filing a grievance or getting them to reverse the pre-existing condition exclusion?

I have had continual health insurance for quite some time, how could they do this? I just went from one job to the next, no lapse.

I am actually switching back to the insurance i had when i had my jpouch made so obviously they know my history well.

Thanks for any help,
Ian

Ian,

If you just switched from another employer's group plan to your new employer's group plan and you have had continuous coverage, then the pre-existing conditions clause is waived under HIPPA law.

What you should do is ask your previous insurer to provide you with a certificate or letter stating that you have had continuous coverage with them from date a to date b. Provide this certificate to your new insurance company and you should be good to go. It is federal law that health insurance is portable and that an insurance company cannot impose the pre-exisiting waiting period on you so long as you have this proof.

I hope this helps.

Rick

Rick is right, however, there are large loop holes in this law, including the size of the companies involved and the type of insurance you had before (a group policy, yes, but some group policies may not be covered).

Here is a link to a government site explaining HIPPA.

HIPPA FAQ

THANKS for the help!

I will be sending in a certificate of coverage from my previous plan, i have never had a lapse. I think this may go through... im hoping.

Thank you for the links...

Just an update. I sent in a certifcate of credible coverage (I have had coverage with no lapses from other carrier) and they waived it.

If only life didn't require so many hoop to jump through. Best part is you have to find the hoops yourself!