Currently I have great health care coverage through my husband's employer. My husband and I are thinking of starting our own business and we're very concerned about my being uninsurable because of my mesothelioma (asbestos cancer).

Will I have trouble with Cobra? Is he stuck working for this employer for good because of my illness? Finacially we're fairly comfortable and high premiums could be managed but I'm afraid no one will even touch me.

Are cancer patients who lose their insurance just out of luck?

Any information would be greatly appreciated especially from those who may have been through a similar situation.

Thanks in advance.

Antoinette

You should be able to stay on Cobra for up to 18 months with no problem. Once you are with 60 days (It may be 30, but I'd say 60 to be on the safe side) of Cobra expiring, you should contact your carrier's Billing & Enrollment department to inquire about a "conversion policy". Essentially, you can roll your Cobra coverage into an individual plan that you can keep as long as you want. The benefits are usually quite basic and bare-bones, and the premiums may be high, but you do not have to be underwritten. You can stay on this plan as long as you pay the premiums, but if you should term the policy for any reason you generally can not get back on.

As far as group coverage is concerned, I think it will depend how many people would be covered on the group plan. If it would be just you and your husband, you might not be eligible for a group plan based on your health history. If there will be other employees, they may be able to accept you depending on the overall health of the group. You might want to talk to an insurance broker to see if they have any advice on whether you might be able to obtain group coverage.

Also, depending on where you live, you might be eligible for a state Risk Pool or HIPAA plan (especially if you have had group coverage within 63 days). You could find out more about this through your state's Dept of Insurance, or an insurance broker should also be able to direct you accordingly.

Good luck!

Thank you very much for all the information and the suggestions on who to speak to.

Sincerely,
Antoinette