Declined Insurance Because of Depression
Q: I just applied for personal health insurance and I got declined because I am on an anti-depressant for minor depression. I called the insurance company and told them that I don’t care about insurance for the depression and I will pay for my own medication. They told me they can’t do that. Is this true? What are my options?
A: Let’s address your first question: “Is this true?” We first need to know in which state you reside. As far as other options, we will need to know the following; 1) do you currently have health insurance, 2) when did you last have health insurance, and 3) what type of health insurance did you most recently possess?
I live in a state of depression, especially now that I can’t get health insurance. Kidding, I know what you meant. I live in California. I have not had health insurance for at least 3 years when I got cancelled from my parent’s insurance when I turned 19. Do I have options?
Comment by Susan — November 21, 2006 @ 10:21 pm
Well, at least you have a sense of humor about it!! To address your initial question, yes, it is true. California is one of the few states in the country that prohibits an insurance company from placing an elimination rider on your policy. This means that if they accept you for coverage, they must accept you as you are and can’t exclude from your policy the treatment of a pre-existing medical condition. These California regulation is intended to protect the insured, but it often backfires, as your situation exemplifies. You might be surprised at the number of people that are not able to obtain health insurance in California for what would seem a minor medical condition.
As far as options, not all insurance companies may use the same underwriting guidelines. Just because one insurance company declined you for depression does not mean that they all will decline you. Don’t give up. Your ability to get insurance may also depend on the type of health insurance plan you apply for. For instance, if you apply for a basic hospital plan that does not offer prescription coverage, the insurance company might be more inclined to insure you. The best thing for you to do at this point is to contact an insurance broker that represents many different insurance companies. Most are familiar with the underwriting guidelines of all the insurance companies, and they will know which insurance companies are most likely willing to accept you with minor depression.
Comment by admin — November 21, 2006 @ 10:36 pm