Hello,

I will be as clear as I can. As a resident of New York, a little over 2 years ago, I signed up with their Healthy NY program for individuals whose employers didn't provide health insurance. I chose CIGNA as my provider (they were in the middle in terms of pricing, I didn't want the highest nor the lowest). To this point, I haven't needed the insurance for any reason, although I know I should go to a doctor for a routine exam.

I have a very, very mild form of cerebral palsy and had epliesy as a child. I had a type called petite-mal, which usually occurs in children and from what I remember, is said to often go away as you get older. Thinking back, I really don't remember the application I filled out, only that it was very short. I don't remember if I listed my disabilities on the form or not.

I'm only concerned since I saw ******* recently and heard the many horror stories from people who were denied coverage for their operations by their HMOs because of pre-existing conditions that weren't revealed. Is there a way I can obtain a copy of my original application? If my suspicions are correct, should I drop my health insurance? I'm currently unemployed and my monthly cost for health insurance has risen to $270. As much as I want (and need) health insurance, I can't see forking over what savings I have left just to have something horrible happen and have my HMO tell me "you didn't reveal this disability to us, so we won't pay for your care".

Thank you.

Just a question - Have you ever had a lap in coverage and if so how long....

Just a question - Have you ever had a lap in coverage and if so how long....

Thanks for replying so quickly. Well, I was on my parent's insurance until 22 or 23, and after that, I languished at several jobs between the years without health insurance. When I was making enough to have health insurance, and it was a little cheaper than it is now, that's when I signed up. So, I figure I had an approximately 3 year lapse in my health insurance.

Thanks for replying so quickly. Well, I was on my parent's insurance until 22 or 23, and after that, I languished at several jobs between the years without health insurance. When I was making enough to have health insurance, and it was a little cheaper than it is now, that's when I signed up. So, I figure I had an approximately 3 year lapse in my health insurance.

How long have you had this insurance.... Have you had any problems with your childhood issues that you need to address. The thing with insurance is if you do not let is lapse, they cannot hold anything against you such as pre-existing condition. If you let it lapse, there is sometimes a time frame such as six months where they have a right to not treat pre-existing conditions. Do you have the insurance plan booklet. If so, read what it says about pre-existing conditions and don't say anything to HR about getting a copy of your application. Usually, you can look up your plan on the Internet. I have Cigna and I can look it up on the Internet however, it doesn't mean we have the same plan.

See what your plan says. If I were you, I would do everything in my power to keep the insurance so that you don't run into another issue of a lapse in insurance if you are looking for another job.... Keep the insurance until you do get another job and then once that insurance kicks in then you can drop the Cigna.... Hope this helps, Jenn