Question
I live in Ohio. My 24 year old daughter is on our group insurance program right now, but needs to get her own policy now. I wanted to do that before the end of the month. She went for a pap test last week and has a slight problem, that might not even be anything. The doctor said it might be a false reading and he wants to recheck her. Do I have to claim this as a preexisting condition and will it affect her getting future problems if she has any covered? Is it better to go with a cobra policy or do they also not cover preexisting problems?
Answer
My 24 year old daughter is on our group insurance program right now, but needs to get her own policy now. Are you referring to a private policy or coverage with her own employer?
Is it better to go with a cobra policy or do they also not cover preexisting problems? COBRA is not an insurance policy. COBRA stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act which is a law that allows individuals covered under an employer's group health plan to continue their coverage beyond the date it would otherwise end by paying the full monthly premium. As a dependent who is no longer eligible for coverage under her parent's plan, she is eligible for up to 36 months of continuation.
When coverage for your daughter ceases under your plan, the carrier or the employer will issue a "certificate of credible coverage." Under HIPAA regulations, if she begins partipating in another employer's plan within 60 days, then any pre-existing conditions clause cannot be applied. If she is considering taking private health insurance, then this is something she should discuss with the agent.
Your daughter can always opt to continue her current coverage under COBRA on a month-to-month basis until such time as she finds a more attractive option or is eligible with her own employer. To cancel, all she has to do is stop paying the premiums.
Answer
Is she terming off your policy because of her age?
Is it possible to wait a few weeks until you get the results of the follow up pap smear?
Then this may be a non-issue - she can get her other insurance with no worry about this "might be" problem this week....
you know?
I'd wait - what's a couple of weeks? Really - and besides you probably don't want to cancel her before she is secured a new policy, which could take several weeks ----
Answer
IF the insurance policy she is covered on is through one or the other of her parents' employers AND IF she elects COBRA when she comes off the plan, pre-existing is a non-issue as she will be continued on the same coverage as she previously had.