new job and insurance

[Tami]

Currently I have outstanding insurance at my job and because of that I stay although I am beginning to absolutely hate my job - which we all know can't be good for my health.

So my question is this - when I find a new job will I be eligible for health insurance or will my cancer diagnosis put me in the "pre-existing condition" status forever even though I am currently NED?

I would hate to stay where I am just for the insurance but we all know how expensive treatment can be.

Thanks -

Tami

Hi Tami

We used to live in Carmel Valley. I believe they cannot deny you. You should check with your state's laws. California is pretty tough. I would think they would cover you.

John

[Lolly]

I agree with John, and especially if a new employer had group coverage I think you can't be excluded but may have a waiting period before coverage. It varies from insurance to insurance and state to state.

<3 Lolly

[Becky]

Tami


I agree with John and Lolly. You cannot be denied Health insurance (this is what the privacy act is all about). You might not be covered until the first of the month after you start your new job but you will have pre-existing coverage. When you are given the job offer, you can get this confirmed in writing...... However, you can be denied life insurance coverage. Life insurance is a totally different ballgame. If you have life insurance from your current job that you signed up for prior to illness, they cannot drop you but they can deny increased coverage. A new job can deny you life insurance outright. This is why I tell my friends to get coverage outside of their employment because you have it and it follows you job to job.

Best regards

Becky

[Joe]

Tami,
When you decide to leave your position, your present insurance carrier should issue you a certificate of eligibility which you then give to your new insurance carrier. This will insure continuence of insurance and automatic acceptance of your coverage.

Also, Federal and State COBRA coverage apply. If your company is headquartered in California, you are entitled to 36 months of health coverage, but you would have to pay the entire premium, which may be expensive. If your company is not headquartered in CA then you are entitled to 18 months.

Here is a heads up. Genentech has recently purchased and is staffing a manufacturing facility for Avastin in Oceanside. Their benefits are fantastic.
Go to www.gene.com for a list of open positions available there. Put in Oceanside as a key word on the available jobs search list.

You may be a shoo in, but call us if you need a recommendation.

Hugs
Christine and Joe

[Tami]

thanks everyone...I definitely do not feel trapped anymore. I went to Genentech's website and am definitely going after some of their Oceanside postings - so Joe and Christine I may take you up on a referral!



All the best,

Tami