Lapse in Coverage
For instance, let’s say you have a medical condition that has a one year exclusionary period on your new health plan and you had continuous coverage until 3 months ago. You may qualify for a 9 month credit toward this exclusionary period. There may be exceptions to this rule, such as having a pre-existing condition for which you were not covered under your previous group health plan. If you already have a job lined up in New Jersey, try to find out what insurance plan you will be covered under, and when you will be eligible for coverage. Many employers have a probationary period that you must meet before you can be added to the group plan. If you can find out the name of the health insurance company they use, you can contact that insurance company to address any concerns you have about their pre-existing condition policies. If you have access to COBRA coverage from your previous employer, and it provides benefits in New Jersey, it might be advisable to accept that option to avoid any lapse of coverage. 3 CommentsLeave a comment |
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I am moving to New Jersey very soon I am trying to find out what amount of time is considered a lapse in coverage when you leave a job before getting new coverage. I would appreciate your help with this matter.
If you have had continuous health insurance for the past 18 months, with your most recent coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan, you are protected under federal HIPAA regulations. This law states that no insurance company may place a waiting period on pre-existing medical conditions if you have not had a lapse in coverage for more than 63 days. If your lapse has been more than 63 days, you may still receive some credit toward any pre-existing condition exclusionary period, for any length of time that you have had coverage within that waiting period.
My insurance now is an HMO through where I work. I checked on COBRA and they told me that option will end when I move to NJ, which is outside of the area. I do not have a new job yet, so I don’t know how long I will be without health insurance.
Comment by Susan — October 2, 2006 @ 1:34 pm
You will want to obtain an individual health insurance plan in NJ to provide you with adequate coverage and prevent a lapse in coverage as relates to waiting periods on pre-existing medical conditions. Since individual health insurance in NJ is guaranteed issue, you will not have a problem qualifying, even with a pre-existing medical condition. You can locate an agent in NJ using our directory, or call Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield at 1-800-355-2583.
Comment by Site Advisor — October 3, 2006 @ 8:43 am
Let me know if I get this straight, If I have a in between period between jobs or a lapse in my health insurance coverage, then I will still be able to get health insurance with my new job? I need to be on this new group plan because it is the cheapest health insurance and also because I have preexisting conditions. I actually have two preexisting conditions if that makes any difference. I have type 2 diabetes and I am also hypothyroid. So I now know that there will be a 3 month waiting period for preexisting conditions. That’s what I thought at least. I can’t really afford COBRA, which will run me into $400 a month. You are telling me that if I have had continuous health insurance for the last 18 months, which I have, then I won’t need to wait for those 3 months or?
Comment by Gladys — June 23, 2009 @ 11:31 am