The stars are not lining up for me...

valanhb

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You may remember that I'm having major issues with my left wrist, which is why I haven't been on much at all lately. Basically, the ulna (one of the arm bones) is too long and has caused damage to the cartilage that cushions and protections the wrist bones from the ulna. In addition, in compensating for this issue, I strained two of the three nerves in my arm, which caused seriously intense pain.

The good news is that the nerve issues do seem to be subsiding with physical/occupational therapy. The not so good news is that the wrist issue isn't getting better (which was kind of expected). The other not so good news is that according to the internet and my physical therapist, the ultimate "fix" is surgery.

Now, the REALLY bad news is that my company may be switching insurance companies as of the first of the year. Of course, I won't know until we do switch and I get the plan, which also means that I won't know about the policy on pre-existing conditions until we do (or don't) switch. I am making an appt. with the orthopedic specialist to discuss the options with this new development.

I am really worried because either option IF we switch insurance isn't good. I could have the surgery soon and hope like heck that they would cover the rehab from it. I could wait and see what the new insurance holds (I really think we'll be switching), and hope I can live with the pain until the pre-existing clause kicks in, or that this doesn't really fall under the pre-existing clause since I've really only been treated for the nerve issues.

I could sure use some TCS magic that this all works out.
 

clixpix

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I wish I had sage advice, but I do have vibes!
 

gayef

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Heidi, I hope you can find some relief from all of this soon, lamb. I know you've got to be suffering.

As for the insurance ... I seem to remember something about this from when my niece changed jobs and therefor, insurance providers. What I remember was that the new insurance company allowed whatever pre-existing conditions she had because she maintained coverage with no lapses. But, she did have to pay COBRA for 2 months since the old coverage expired 30 days after her termination date and the new coverage didn't kick in until she had been employed by the new job for 3 months.
 

katz4life

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Aww we hope everything works out for you! Tons of For you!
 

coolcat

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Don´t give up my friend!
... feel better soon...
 

trouts mom

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Heidi, can't you get in ASAP to get the surgery scheduled BEFORE they switch? I don't think a new company will allow you to get anything covered because of the pre existing.
I could be wrong.

I hope it works out though
 
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valanhb

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I have an appt. with the specialist tomorrow and we’ll see what she says. I bumped it up so that IF she thinks it would be best to get the surgery before the possible switch we would have a month to schedule it.

From what I understand about insurance it really just depends on the company we (may) switch to. They may cover everything since there’s no break in coverage, like Gaye said. Or they may not cover anything pre-existing like Nat said. Or they could have a time frame that they will cover pre-existing IF you still have the condition 3, 6 or 12 months after their coverage takes affect. Until then, they won’t. The sad thing is that I won’t know until we actually switch what the policy’s stance is on pre-existing conditions and if it’s not covered it’s too late.


Thanks for the thoughts and vibes. I really appreciate it.
 

gailc

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One would like that this question would have come up and posed to the prospective new insurer???
Keep up with the PT and take it easy!!!!
 

jcat

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Heidi, that one or the other insurance company will cover everything, because it really sounds as if this surgery is necessary.
 

kittymonsters

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Things very well may have changed since the last time I had to deal with such things...but I believe the law used to be that if your employer changed insurance and you had no lapse in coverage, the new insurer could not hold a pre existing condition clause for anything that occurred while covered with the same employer. ( hope that makes sense)

However, much has changed in the US in the last decade, so this may no longer be the case.

Can you talk to your HR department and find out just what is in the proposed new policy. If they are considering changing they should have at least a draft policy to review by now.

If you have to make a guess at one is going to happen, I would say get the surgery now as it will be the most expensive part.

Keeping everything crossed that all works out for the very best. That surgery sounds yucky and scary but if it will stop progression it is the only way to go.
 

sandtigress

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The last time I had a problem that was pre-existing, the insurance company covered it after I provided proof that I was covered by insurance when I was diagnosed with the problem. Since I had never been off of insurance while being treated, they went ahead and covered. So that it works out for you too!
 
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valanhb

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Oh gosh I hope that's the case!!

KM, I work in a small company and actually I kind of already have "inside" info in that I know who it was that they met with and what they were talking about.
I mean, it's no secret or anything but I don't think everyone knows it. I did ask the Office Manager/Bookkeeper about it, about when we would switch if we do because I'm concerned about my wrist and pre-existing. Her answer was "Don't worry about it until the time comes."
Easy for her to say since she isn't dealing with this type of issue.
 

xocats

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You are caught in the middle of this country's broken health care system Heidi.


I am sending lots of calming, positive vibes your way.
 

katachtig

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Heidi, I really hope that 2008 treats you a lot better than 2007.
 
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