I've had moderate asthma since i was 12. I am now 37. I am also self-employed and have been for the last 5 years. Until recently, every health plan I've ever been under has covered it. Until recently, I always had health insurance.
In the last 3 years, I have had to reapply for health insurance twice due to two moves across state lines (FL to NV and then back to FL). The first time (in NV), I was accepted by BCBS of Nevada, but my new plan would NOT cover any costs related to my asthma (which was mostly medications). I was able to cope, because my medications came to only about $50/month. However, to my surprise (and horror), after moving back to FL this summer, I have been DECLINED health insurance by 3 different FL companies (and counting) because of my "pre-existing" asthma condition. I am now sitting uninsured and frantic about finding a plan that doesn't cost $600+ a month.
I've had friends and other small business owners tell me they have had to lie to get indivudal health insurance plans in this state. These people are all healthy; their "pre-existing" conditions are things like allergies, acne, and other rather benign medical issues. When they reported these things to insurance companies they were applying to, they were denied coverage. They felt they were driven to lie in order to get themselves covered.
I am completely against lieing to procure my insurance. And yet, I'm at a loss about where to go to get a plan. I've done a bunch of research on plans I may qualify for, and I'm on my 4th reputable company right now. I have yet to hear if I have been accepted (*crosses fingers*). I have also researched procuring health insurance through my business, which would allow any employee to receive health insurance regardless of their pre-existing conditions, but it's horribly expensive for one person.
Are there any other small business or self-employed people out there who have minor health issues who have found a company willing to take on the "risk" of insuring them on an individual basis? I don't mind reasonable deductables (up to $2500 is ok with me), and I don't mind a higher prescripton copay ($40 or $50 is ok with me). But I'm not paying $600 a month for that plan either.
I'd love to hear what solutions other people have found. I have to believe they're out there somewhere. Thanks.
