The games that health insurance companies play

[question everything]

I don't think that I've ever not sought medical attention - I am pretty healthy person - but I remember thinking how every single medical treatment is a hidden time bomb on an insurance.

Last week, as there were conflicting reports of whether men should routinely check for PSA, the medical reporter of CNN, Dr. Elizabeth Cohen, said something about even if it is cancer, it is a slow growing one - certainly for older men - and meanwhile one may have hard time getting insurance if one is tested positive for high PSA. I took a double take, yet, I understood exactly what she was saying.

For more than 10 years I have had my own personal insurance with a "Blue." Between both of us changing jobs and the employer changing carrier I decided to stick with the one that I had and it has been OK.

Except, for the past several years my premium has been going up 20% a year. And I did not want to increase my deductibles which are now at $1500. So when the Blue came with a suggestion of new plans, one of which was going to be slightly cheaper, I decided to check it. I was sent to the Internet to see whether my current providers were on the plan. I figured that since I have to check this, the plan may be more restrictive. All my doctors were there, so I selected a cheaper one.

Now I am getting a letter that I will have to fill a new health history application and will be subjected to the same underwriting guidelines as if applying for a new coverage.

Screw them! Since I first enrolled, I have gotten older, I started with allergy shots and am taking statins. All red flags of pre-existing conditions which they would just love to exclude.

I think that I will stay with my plan and swallow the increase in premium.

[Pavulon]

1. There are rules on continuous coverage

an independent agent should be able to help you navigate the mess. Your state department of insurance is also an advocate for you.

The law varies from state to state so be sure to check a local source of information.

[question everything]

4. Oh, I have the coverage

however I thought that since they were offering a different plan which would still include all my doctors at slightly cheaper premium, that I would switch. But not if it requires a new application.

[sandnsea]

2. All the young healthy people left your plan

I read about that a while back. People who have been in plans for years don't realize the reason their rates go up so astronomically is because only the people who won't be accepted into any other plan are left in it. I don't know what the laws are since you have had continuous coverage, but I agree with the poster above that you should call your state insurance commission and find out.

[Suich]

3. Wait til you have to pick a Medicare supplemental!

:crazy: