Moving to NC and need insurance coverage - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Cyn72 · 01-07-2008, 07:42 PM

We're looking to move to NC from ME and we've been told that it is really hard to get insurance coverage in NC with a pre-existing condition.

Has anyone out there made this move and had any luck with insurance? If so, would you please inform me of what I'm to do. As you know, caring for MS is not cheap!

Thanks so much!

MSNik · 01-07-2008, 07:49 PM

Cyn, almost always, but NOT always, as long as you do not have a lapse in coverage , you can pick up insurance with worrying about the pre-existing condition clause. No two insurance companies are ever the same..so, if you are moving, would you be getting private health care? If so, I would make those arrangements before cancelling your current healthcare....and if you are moving and currently have healthcare thru your employment, or spouses employment, then contact them and find out what COBRA benefits they will give you, (it has to be at least 6 months as mandated by the Federal courts) and start looking into private health care ASAP.

No insurance can turn you down for a pre-existing condition, however they can make you wait up to 6 months before coverage starts...good luck.

Cyn72 · 01-08-2008, 07:52 AM

I'm not able to hold a full-time job because of my health. Do you know if I'd be covered under my husband if he carried the insurance. From what I've heard of NC, they can say no to covering you because of pre-existing conditions.

MSNik · 01-08-2008, 11:09 AM

You can research the insurance commission in NC while still in Maine and get more answers, however if your husband is transferring jobs (same insurance) then you can talk to his HR department and get answers on that now....if he is changing jobs and you know who will be covering him when he does, Im sure you can call ahead and ask some questions based on his upcoming employment..
If at this point you have NO idea who will be insuring you or whom he will be working for, your best bet is to find the insurance commisioner in NC and start asking questions.....they are listed in state directories. It will take minimal effort to find this stuff online....
NC is NO DIFFERENT then any other state in the Union. No state has the right to refuse medical insuance, however individual insurance companies have the right to make you wait with a pre-existing condition. My advice would be to make sure you have all physicals, MRIs and meds before you even consider cancelling your old insurance, and also find out if your current insurance will cover you out of state for emergencies...you might be able to hang onto it while your husband starts his new job and waits the required amount of time to pick up benefits...
Also, there is state insuarnce in every state if you qualify for disability insurance, it might cover you...again, something to reserach with the state insurance commissioner.
Good luck!

Cyn72 · 01-08-2008, 12:28 PM

Thanks for the very detailed information. I'm a person of detail so I truly appreciate the time you took with your response. I'll have to check it all out. We own our business so we don't carry insurance through a company. That's why this is all so tricky. But I will be investigating this today. Thanks again.