Health insurance -big problems!
#31
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Re: Health insurance -big problems!
The most solid option you have is to go find a small business association and see if their brokers can get you an employer policy for you that would cover your family as well. They might be able to, they might not but figure it taking a month or so.
On the cost for the kids, what you quoted doesn't seem terribly bad. Kids are high risk.
On the cost for the kids, what you quoted doesn't seem terribly bad. Kids are high risk.
I applied again through the IGDA when I arrived in the US and this was the result. The agent said she we could appeal and submit certain things (I now have a letter from my UK doctor after chasing it this morning - sent to wrong email address) but I've no idea whether appeals are worth trying. Certainly for the kids, the price "ought" to come way down once they've had physical exams, but I can't get appointments anywhere before late June!
Had a chat with a local broker this morning: this was unusual territory for her and she's going to do some digging and ring me back (I hope).
#32
Re: Health insurance -big problems!
Have you got any ideas for an SBA though? Would it end up having the same problems as the IGDA?
I applied for individual cover from the UK but yes denied due to non-resident, despite putting in the notes that we would be resident from the effective date. That was Blue Shield.
I applied again through the IGDA when I arrived in the US and this was the result. The agent said she we could appeal and submit certain things (I now have a letter from my UK doctor after chasing it this morning - sent to wrong email address) but I've no idea whether appeals are worth trying. Certainly for the kids, the price "ought" to come way down once they've had physical exams, but I can't get appointments anywhere before late June!
Had a chat with a local broker this morning: this was unusual territory for her and she's going to do some digging and ring me back (I hope).
I applied for individual cover from the UK but yes denied due to non-resident, despite putting in the notes that we would be resident from the effective date. That was Blue Shield.
I applied again through the IGDA when I arrived in the US and this was the result. The agent said she we could appeal and submit certain things (I now have a letter from my UK doctor after chasing it this morning - sent to wrong email address) but I've no idea whether appeals are worth trying. Certainly for the kids, the price "ought" to come way down once they've had physical exams, but I can't get appointments anywhere before late June!
Had a chat with a local broker this morning: this was unusual territory for her and she's going to do some digging and ring me back (I hope).
You may also have to come to terms with the fact you may not get any insurance for the immediate future and when you do your pre-existing conditions won't be covered.
#33
Re: Health insurance -big problems!
Still, for a local option, best bet is to google the town business association, well at least down my way, every town has one, either as a "local businesses accommodation" or "chamber of commerce" and for a bunch of the smaller local towns, they get grouped together.
#34
Re: Health insurance -big problems!
That's kind of the idea of using the IGDA though as it's fairly large.
Still, for a local option, best bet is to google the town business association, well at least down my way, every town has one, either as a "local businesses accommodation" or "chamber of commerce" and for a bunch of the smaller local towns, they get grouped together.
Still, for a local option, best bet is to google the town business association, well at least down my way, every town has one, either as a "local businesses accommodation" or "chamber of commerce" and for a bunch of the smaller local towns, they get grouped together.
#35
Re: Health insurance -big problems!
The rate was dependent on local factors, but the aim point about this was that it fell under a umbrella group policy, which would not exclude pre-existing conditions.
Something either went very wrong if that isn't the case, or there was a state issue in it.
#36
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Re: Health insurance -big problems!
I don't know about your area but I would start with Google and see what you can find. It wouldnt be the same as what you experienced as they would only broker your company under their umbrella to get a better rate as they are pushing multiple businesses to the insurance company.
That's kind of the idea of using the IGDA though as it's fairly large.
Still, for a local option, best bet is to google the town business association, well at least down my way, every town has one, either as a "local businesses accommodation" or "chamber of commerce" and for a bunch of the smaller local towns, they get grouped together.
Still, for a local option, best bet is to google the town business association, well at least down my way, every town has one, either as a "local businesses accommodation" or "chamber of commerce" and for a bunch of the smaller local towns, they get grouped together.
Hmm, I do remember putting company details in the initial application form - though not on the Blue Shield specific form (which was 27 pages, not 15 that I said before!). But the agent said it wasn't individual cover - nor was it group cover .
#37
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Re: Health insurance -big problems!
It offered both. A group rate for members applying as individuals or for small companies.
The rate was dependent on local factors, but the aim point about this was that it fell under a umbrella group policy, which would not exclude pre-existing conditions.
Something either went very wrong if that isn't the case, or there was a state issue in it.
The rate was dependent on local factors, but the aim point about this was that it fell under a umbrella group policy, which would not exclude pre-existing conditions.
Something either went very wrong if that isn't the case, or there was a state issue in it.
Thanks.
#38
Re: Health insurance -big problems!
If nothing comes of this, then ask members of the board.
Dustin Clingman - Chair
Coray Seifert
Wendy Despain
Darius Kazemi
First name @igda.org to get in touch directly. These folks are ones to ping as the rest are pretty useless and you'll at least most likely get a response from Wendy and Darius if anyone.
#39
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Re: Health insurance -big problems!
Good luck.
If nothing comes of this, then ask members of the board.
Dustin Clingman - Chair
Coray Seifert
Wendy Despain
Darius Kazemi
First name @igda.org to get in touch directly. These folks are ones to ping as the rest are pretty useless and you'll at least most likely get a response from Wendy and Darius if anyone.
If nothing comes of this, then ask members of the board.
Dustin Clingman - Chair
Coray Seifert
Wendy Despain
Darius Kazemi
First name @igda.org to get in touch directly. These folks are ones to ping as the rest are pretty useless and you'll at least most likely get a response from Wendy and Darius if anyone.
Just received a couple of emails from Blue Shield confirming coverage - at 20% higher than stated yesterday because no prior coverage had been received - yet I sent a letter from our GPs confirming cover.
#40
Re: Health insurance -big problems!
Have you tried getting coverage with Kaiser permanente. we had them for many years and both boys were born when we had them, the doctors were really nice and so were the hospital stays. But it can be a bit of a pain making appointments with their phone system. Once you master it it's a doddle.
#41
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Re: Health insurance -big problems!
Have you tried getting coverage with Kaiser permanente. we had them for many years and both boys were born when we had them, the doctors were really nice and so were the hospital stays. But it can be a bit of a pain making appointments with their phone system. Once you master it it's a doddle.
#42
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Re: Health insurance -big problems!
Sounds like you have only enquired with Blue Shield regarding individual policies.
You should look at ehealthinsurance.com, find several plans and apply to them all.
This is what I did when looking for plans for hubby and I - we were turned down by a couple but got insurance upon appeal.
Its a long shot but you have nothing to lose.
You should look at ehealthinsurance.com, find several plans and apply to them all.
This is what I did when looking for plans for hubby and I - we were turned down by a couple but got insurance upon appeal.
Its a long shot but you have nothing to lose.
#43
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Re: Health insurance -big problems!
Sounds like you have only enquired with Blue Shield regarding individual policies.
You should look at ehealthinsurance.com, find several plans and apply to them all.
This is what I did when looking for plans for hubby and I - we were turned down by a couple but got insurance upon appeal.
Its a long shot but you have nothing to lose.
You should look at ehealthinsurance.com, find several plans and apply to them all.
This is what I did when looking for plans for hubby and I - we were turned down by a couple but got insurance upon appeal.
Its a long shot but you have nothing to lose.
How long did the appeal take?
#44
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Re: Health insurance -big problems!
Its several years ago but I think the appeal took about 2 to three weeks from when they first denied my coverage and then I sent them the letter of appeal.
Good luck.
Good luck.
#45
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Re: Health insurance -big problems!
Wendy at IGDA said she'd poke from her end but not a lot she could do really, which is understandable. AssPros say there's not a lot I can do now, just get those physicals - but according to the paperwork I'd have to resubmit applications for the kids once that's done (sigh, 27 pages again). The wife and I have applied to Kaiser and I guess I'll start on Anthem tonight, maybe others if I can find them. AssPros did send a travel policy suggestion but it's not for LPRs.
To cap it all, 7-month old DD has a fever and is coughing and crying and clingy. I hope it's just a cold, but their healthcare kicks in tomorrow anyway.
To cap it all, 7-month old DD has a fever and is coughing and crying and clingy. I hope it's just a cold, but their healthcare kicks in tomorrow anyway.