alcoholism and healthcare

[DeathKnight]

i've touched on this subject in another thread, but i thought it may be useful with how we all broached this topic with our health care providers and what type of coverage we had/ who we were with. Its fairly clear that alb abuse can cause cancellation or refusal for coverage, some of you may have had some tactful ways of approaching this. Im considering going out of pocket to a private MD.

[smacked]

well it can't cause cancellation, HIPAA prevents that (if you're in the US)... treatment for or a diagnosis of what is considered a pre-existing condition can affect new coverage if you go w/ out insurance for more than 63 days... Pre-existing conditions cannot be considered by group insurance (typically what is offered thru an employer) either, unless a person doesn't take the insurance the first time it is offered by an employer... and even then, they have to take you on as a new member, but don't have to cover any treatment related to the 'condition' for up to a year..

Clear as mud?

Bottom line, no.. insurance (in the US) cannot drop you/cancel you for a new diagnosis. Only if you went w/ out insurance for more than 63 days, had treatment and a diagnosis of a pre-e would it be an issue.. and never would it be an issue thru group insurance at a job.

[DeathKnight]

ok, im via work.....just making sure im clear.

[smacked]

not sure what that means, but .. if you're saying your health insurance is through work.. it's likely a group policy. Neither an individual or group policy can drop you for developing a new condition, or report to anyone that you have been diagnosed or treated for one.