Originally Posted by GeoffM (Post 10089604)

Another problem is we've not been resident for 6 months. So how are we supposed to get health insurance for the first 6 months, I asked. I don't know, was the answer. But she's going to look into it and get some inbound immigrant insurance better than what we've got already.

Originally Posted by GeoffM (Post 10089604)

Wife not working and I'm self employed in CA. I don't qualify for group insurance but this forum recommended a local chamber of commerce or something like the IGDA. So that's what I did - and we, the parents, been denied coverage! (We do have temporary, emergency cover)

Allegedly joining something like the IGDA would give group rates and cover pre-existing conditions (see http://britishexpats.com/forum/showp...2&postcount=34 for example). I can't comment on the former but the latter is apparently NOT covered - yes it's group coverage, but not employer-based group coverage, and doesn't cover pre-existing. I'm not blaming the posters here: up until now Association Pros, who handle the IGDA insurance, never said there would be these problems.

Meanwhile the kids have been approved because legally they're not allowed to be denied coverage. But there is no limit on the rates, so DS (4-year old) is $460 per month and DD (baby) is $920 per month. However, these ought to be lowerable by going to have a physical exam ASAP - something we had planned to do in anticipation of Blue Shield's response, but couldn't arrange until we knew what Blue Shield wanted from the exam, as the exams here are like menus of tests and things you can optionally include or exclude depending on who wants the results of the exam.

Another problem is we've not been resident for 6 months. So how are we supposed to get health insurance for the first 6 months, I asked. I don't know, was the answer. But she's going to look into it and get some inbound immigrant insurance better than what we've got already.

The final problem is my cataract surgery I had 9 months ago. They appear to be denying any coverage just on that one issue. I could manage with eyes being excluded but that doesn't appear to be an option. To be honest, it's all a bit confusing so that may not be the case after all.

Any ideas where we go from here appreciated!

Originally Posted by Noorah101 (Post 10089625)

I'm not familiar with all the insurance types out there...are you saying you and your wife were denied individual insurance policies?

Rene

Originally Posted by Moonshadow_Girl (Post 10089651)

Please check out this link for Healthy Families: http://www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov/HFProgram/Join.aspx. I'm not familiar with the program as I don't have any children myself. However, I do understand that you can at least have coverage for your children at a reasonable cost.

Check out this link for costs in your own county: http://www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov/Pl...ernardino.aspx

ETA: I don't remember your immigration situation, but if your children are U.S. citizens, then you can disregard the Immigration requirements.

Good luck, let us know how it works out.

Originally Posted by Nutmegger (Post 10089661)

I would really recommend finding an insurance broker who specializes in health coverage. HI is such a minefield that you really need a professional to help, and it doesn't cost you anything.

Originally Posted by lansbury (Post 10089666)

Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oregon covered me from day 1 from the minute I stepped of the aircraft. In fact it was all arranged from the UK before we left. Are you dealing direct with the company or through an insurance broker who sells health insurance. We used an agent local to where we were moving to.

Originally Posted by markwm (Post 10089673)

You could try ex-pat health insurance to get you covered until you sort yourself out. http://www.staysure.co.uk/overseas/travel-insurance (says over 50s but I think they'll cover anyone for cash :))

Originally Posted by lansbury (Post 10089666)

Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oregon covered me from day 1 from the minute I stepped of the aircraft. In fact it was all arranged from the UK before we left. Are you dealing direct with the company or through an insurance broker who sells health insurance. We used an agent local to where we were moving to.

Originally Posted by guitarmaan (Post 10089709)

How did you find the agent, from a site list or a recommendation?

Originally Posted by GeoffM (Post 10089727)

The IGDA application referred me to Association Pros.

What I'd hate to do now is to fill in yet another 15 page application form then wait 2 weeks for it to be summarily denied - again. Repeat ad nauseum.

Originally Posted by GeoffM (Post 10089692)

Thanks, at first glance it's a bit confusing wrt to category A/B/C, and seems rather expensive, but I'll dig more.

Originally Posted by GeoffM (Post 10089692)

Thanks, at first glance it's a bit confusing wrt to category A/B/C, and seems rather expensive, but I'll dig more

Originally Posted by GeoffM (Post 10089736)

Okay, I understand the table a bit better now. But my income exceeds the maximum so they don't qualify anyway.

Originally Posted by GeoffM (Post 10089604)

Wife not working and I'm self employed in CA. I don't qualify for group insurance but this forum recommended a local chamber of commerce or something like the IGDA. So that's what I did - and we, the parents, been denied coverage! (We do have temporary, emergency cover)

Allegedly joining something like the IGDA would give group rates and cover pre-existing conditions (see http://britishexpats.com/forum/showp...2&postcount=34 for example). I can't comment on the former but the latter is apparently NOT covered - yes it's group coverage, but not employer-based group coverage, and doesn't cover pre-existing. I'm not blaming the posters here: up until now Association Pros, who handle the IGDA insurance, never said there would be these problems.

Meanwhile the kids have been approved because legally they're not allowed to be denied coverage. But there is no limit on the rates, so DS (4-year old) is $460 per month and DD (baby) is $920 per month. However, these ought to be lowerable by going to have a physical exam ASAP - something we had planned to do in anticipation of Blue Shield's response, but couldn't arrange until we knew what Blue Shield wanted from the exam, as the exams here are like menus of tests and things you can optionally include or exclude depending on who wants the results of the exam.

Another problem is we've not been resident for 6 months. So how are we supposed to get health insurance for the first 6 months, I asked. I don't know, was the answer. But she's going to look into it and get some inbound immigrant insurance better than what we've got already.

The final problem is my cataract surgery I had 9 months ago. They appear to be denying any coverage just on that one issue. I could manage with eyes being excluded but that doesn't appear to be an option. To be honest, it's all a bit confusing so that may not be the case after all.

Any ideas where we go from here appreciated!