Confused about insurance options Posted: 02-22-08 23:08pm
I will be quitting my job in a few months
and have the following question:
I am currently insured with Blue Shield of
California under my employer's plan. Once
I quit, I have the option of continuing
coverage under Cal-COBRA (under 20
employees) at a pretty high rate or buying
my own coverage with a higher deductible.
I will be going into a freelance career so
I will be paying for my own coverage from
now on.
Question: If I apply for individual
coverage to start right after my
employer's coverage stops (probably an
individual policy with Blue Shield)
instead of Cal-COBRA, could my new
individual policy still discriminate
against me for a "pre-existing condition"
down the line, even though I would have no
gap in coverage? I'm not currently aware
of any such condition but one never
knows...I'm in my early 40s so no coverage
at all is not something I can or want to
consider at this point, but will an
individual policy amount to the same thing
should something that could be considered
a pre-existing condition pop up say 6
months into the individual policy.
Any information would be welcome. I am
having trouble finding a definitive
answer. Thank you for any help!
