Can the insurance company prove I lied?
Can the insurance company prove I lied?
When you sign your application, you are also signing an authorization for the insurance company to obtain medical records. This gives them the legal right to check with the Medical Information Bureau and obtain medical records from any physician, pharmacy or health care facility that has treated you. The look-back period will vary based on the type of health insurance (group or individual). But, it is usually sufficient for the insurer to determine if you have recently been treated for a specific medical condition. When the insurance company reviews your medical records, they have access to your office visit history, as well as any discussions you have had with your physician. In addition, your physician will often make notes on your medical chart that express their professional opinion. Unless you periodically request a copy of your medical records, you will have no way of knowing what comments your physician has added to your records. It is the access to your medical records that allows the insurance company to later verify if the information you stated on your application was accurate.
It’s not a good idea to lie on your application even to get those cheap health insurance premiums. I used to work for the MIB and the thing is that when you apply for health insurance, if the company is doing what it should, then they will check your medical records. Now, of course, some of your medical information may not be available trough the records, but most is, so you should really think twice about withholding information. The MIB records also sometimes hold more information than just your medical records. If you engage in dangerous activities, then that may also be listed there with a code. Just be honest on the application, it will serve you better in the long run.
Comment by Larry — June 29, 2009 @ 2:19 am
What is the Look-Back period in California for individual policies?
Comment by webber — July 4, 2009 @ 11:49 am
12 Months
Comment by Moderator — July 5, 2009 @ 12:28 pm