Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> CH friendly Health Insurance?
        
(Message started by: Ming on Jul 12^th, 2005, 12:03am)

Title: CH friendly Health Insurance?
Post by Ming on Jul 12^th, 2005, 12:03am

Hello. Has anyone had any luck getting insured directly (not through work , spouse, or organization) with a health insurance company with headaches?

I've been denied twice now by Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and a few others as well, who have stated that my headaches and single emergency room visit makes me uneligible. I was able to extend my student insurance until August, but then the gig will be up. I'm already swimming in debt from medical bills ($1,400 MRI, scripts, doc visits, physical therapy, accupuncture, etc...).

Specific companies to apply for (particularly in Illinois) or any other routes for coverage or success stories appreciated. Thank you.

Title: Re: CH friendly Health Insurance?
Post by Topical on Jul 12^th, 2005, 2:42am

What type of policy do you have? Did a neuro diagnose you with CH and recommend the tests?

I had excellent results with Blue Cross, way better than Aetna. However, both policies were through my employer. I can't see how you would have been saddled with those bills. You appealed their decision and it was rejected?

Title: Re: CH friendly Health Insurance?
Post by Ming on Jul 12^th, 2005, 11:35am

Yes, those were all tests assigned by my neurologist. I have had cluster headaches for close to ten years now.

Blue Cross denied me for having the headaches, I reapplied, and they were explict, again, about not being able to cover me because of them.

I am self-employed and going to the insurance companies directly - not through a group employer.

Title: Re: CH friendly Health Insurance?
Post by pattik on Jul 12^th, 2005, 11:46am

Hi Ming...I am also self-employed, and have found a similar problem. Earlier this year I tried to get a high-deductable policy for health savings account use, and was turned down as a result of being honest on my application. And I didn't even want RX coverage. I was told by a friend that if I had appealed the decision, it might have gone through the second time. At any rate, I may try again, when I have the time. Meanwhile, I'm stuck with my HMO which has pretty high premiums. You might want to try an appeal.

Patti

Title: Re: CH friendly Health Insurance?
Post by Kim Y. on Jul 12^th, 2005, 12:21pm

Still waiting on work insurance to pay my bills they are waiting to see if I have had this over 6mo. prior to working with them and if so they won't pay for my doctors visits. I pray to god I come under. Here at the end of this month I am no longer covered by any insurance since I will be going to school full time. Nobody wants to take someone with an existing condition when they know the cost of experimentation we go through. :-[

Title: Re: CH friendly Health Insurance?
Post by Sandy_C on Jul 12^th, 2005, 12:30pm

Self-employed here too. Health insurance coverage [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif]

Right!!! The last policy I got is a high deductible ($4000) with no doctor co-pays, with the exception if I have to go to the hospital I do have to pay a $500 co-pay, on top of the deductible. The only reason I have this coverage at all is because I have had to resort to the lie on the application. Was turned down by three companies, and rated by two more. The insurance industry in this country sucks. And, by the way, for the above lovely coverage, I have the privilege of paying a premium that's as high as my mortgage.

Nobody wants me

[smiley=frown.gif]

Title: Re: CH friendly Health Insurance?
Post by nani on Jul 12^th, 2005, 12:59pm

on 07/12/05 at 12:30:52, Sandy_C wrote:

Nobody wants me

[smiley=frown.gif]

I know that feeling. I'm going to start taking classes again in the hopes that Student Health insurance will take me. :-/

Title: Re: CH friendly Health Insurance?
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jul 12^th, 2005, 4:47pm

An oxymoron !

Title: Re: CH friendly Health Insurance?
Post by yikes-another-one on Jul 14^th, 2005, 10:55pm

:P

They get us all on the "pre-existing" clause.

If you were not diagnosed, you don't have to disclose it.
but onc eyou get a label, then the previous insurance should still cover you....

I am so close to walking away from all the medical
so called professionals. I picture myself in the woods,
like the long ago Indians, bravely laying aside any ilusions....opeing up to the "Great Spirit" and saying, "if you want me, take me...otherwise....fix me!"

And then waiting. and waiting and waiting.

I think I will get a better respionse form the great Spirit.
at least he isn't booked until next September.... ;)

Title: Re: CH friendly Health Insurance?
Post by Sandy_C on Jul 15^th, 2005, 9:04am

on 07/14/05 at 22:55:10, yikes-another-one wrote:

:P

I think I will get a better respionse form the great Spirit.
at least he isn't booked until next September.... ;)

[smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif]

Title: Re: CH friendly Health Insurance?
Post by Sandy_C on Jul 15^th, 2005, 9:08am

on 07/12/05 at 12:59:32, nani wrote:

I know that feeling. I'm going to start taking classes again in the hopes that Student Health insurance will take me. :-/

That's a great idea! Maybe I should try that. Wonder what I should study - I've always wanted to learn belly dancing. I hear it's great for the abs! Wonder if that would qualify! ;)

Seriously, Nani, good luck! What classes will you be taking?