AboutJohn (J.R.) McCollough Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to Health and Medicare insurance for individual and/or family coverage, students, retired/separated military members, small businesses under 20 employees and seniors in the United States.
Additionally, I can assist people in understanding their options if they've been turned down for insurance and do not know about what state and federal programs are available.
Experience I am the owner of a national agency that only attracts agents of the highest caliber to consult in Health, Life and Medicare insurance products. We emphasize a client-centered approach to the way we conduct business and can provide objective input to help you make an informed decision.
Organizations I belong to a variety of professional, consumer and military organizations. Please feel free to contact me if you're interested in a particular organization.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Past/Present Clients I don't divulge information about my clients on the internet due to respect for protecting information. Anybody is more than welcome to contact me if they wish to receive a list of past and current clients in their respective area whom have authorized my agents and/or I to release information.
Expert: John (J.R.) McCollough Date: 6/26/2008 Subject: Leaving COBRA with pre-existing Cancer
Question I have been on COBRA for 2.5 years which is ending as of July 1, 2008. I am self-employed now with a presently low income and had developed a cancerous tumor in Sept. 2006. It was removed and I am now cancer free, but I need coverage. I had a PPO plan with BC/BS and it was great! I would like a similar plan. I will still have follow-up MRIs and doctor visits in the upcoming years.
I also see a homeopathic doctor(not covered), acupuncturist, and chiropractor. Any suggestions as to how I can get decent insurance? I don't know much about HIPAA, but I should be able to get coverage with anyone, right?
Thank you so much!
JOE
Answer Hi Joe,
Congratulations on your endeavor to beat cancer. You're probably feeling pretty good about yourself right now.
Based upon what you told me you have four options. You did not indicate what state you live in, so some of this may or may not be applicable to you! Additionally, you will not be able to get coverage with every carrier.
1) Depending upon your income level you may be eligible for Medicaid. Contact the local Social Security office to find out more details.
2) You might be able to set up your own small group plan. A local agent should be able to tell you what your options are in your respective state.
3) Obtain coverage through your state risk pool, if any.
4) Obtain a HIPAA policy via whomever is in charge of administering those types of policies. You may pay an arm and a leg for this type of coverage though. Some carriers have no problem going up to 400% over normal rates to offer these types of plans.
Essentially, the only thing HIPAA really does for consumers is "guarantee" that they can obtain coverage, but it doesn't guarantee that you can "afford" that coverage.
You will not be eligible for standard individual health plans in the private market because of your cancer, excluding item number 4. I recommend you contact your state Department of Insurance and find out if they have a risk pool and request information. Then, find out what your options are regarding finding a HIPAA plan. They will know what you're talking about (usually).
Lastly, if you haven't already talked with your doctors about saving money on your health care, voice your concerns and let them know you plan to shop them. I see no reason why anybody should pay retail rates if they are paying with cash or credit card!
