Which Laws Are There to Protect Your Rights During a Serious Illness?

We always hear about how people are denied medical coverage due to a preexisting condition, but few people consider what would happen to them if they were suddenly battling cancer.  The Federal Health Care Reform bill will protect children from being denied coverage for preexisting conditions immediately, but adults will have to wait until 2014 before health insurance companies must comply. So what should Colorado residents do to ensure continued health insurance coverage during cancer treatment?

Here is a common scenario that is often heard by Colorado health insurance brokers when faced patients are faced with serious illness.  Upon learning of a cancer diagnosis, many people consider changing jobs, opting instead for a less stressful job or one with more flexibility.  However, they are hesitant to leave a job for fear that they will be denied coverage from a new employer‚Äôs health insurance provider.  It is reassuring to note that federal laws are in place to protect patients at critical times like this, when their recovery may depend on it.

• If you are unable to work during treatment for a serious medical condition, the Family and Medical Leave Act will protect your job and health insurance benefits during 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave.  However, you must have worked for that employer for an average of 24 hours per week for at least one year.
• In addition, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) will guarantee your right to continued health insurance if you change jobs during cancer treatment.  HIPAA prohibits an employee from being denied coverage by a new employer‚Äôs health insurer, even if they would ordinarily withhold coverage due to a preexisting condition, they must cover you as soon as you enroll, as long as you have had uninterrupted medical coverage for the past 12 months.  This means you must pay for COBRA coverage during any mandatory waiting periods before the new insurance takes effect. 

A Colorado health insurance broker can help you better understand these rights, as they pertain to cancer treatment and other serious medical conditions.  Michael Horvat is a health insurance expert and broker with HealthQuotes.com in Colorado Springs, CO. If you are searching for Colorado health insurance plans or quotes, please give Michael a call anytime at 800-345-0789.