I was denied insurance from Blue Cross because I asked if Ritalin was covered. What do I do now?

Question

I inquired over the phone about plan benefits for Ritalin and Concerta. This was my first time dealing with getting insurance for myself and I didn't realize this would make me ineligible. I was looking to go on Ritalin in the future as I was ADHD diagnosed about 7 years back, have since been med free, and want to go back on it. But in the end I think I botched all of my insurance up. I live in California, and my job does not offer insurance. What should I do?

Answer 1

Never ask an insurance company such a question.  It makes it seem that you have a pre-existing condition or that you are seeking drugs.

I live in CA too.  My insurer is HealthNet, and I'm very happy with the service I've gotten for quite a number of years.

Answer 2

actually if you google it BLUE CROSS does not cover RITALIN..why are you deciding to take it again if you were med free? Are you sure theres no other reason why you want it now? I heard some people are using it cuz it is a stimulant that produces pharmacological effects similar to those of cocaine and amphetamines .In college students it is being used as a stimulant to help them stayed focused and awake (for long nights of studying) it is often being used as a stimulant and appetite suppressant.Ritalin is also occasionally used in adults to treat narcolepsy -- an uncontrollable sleeping disorder).

Why start now?Taking  Ritalin over a long period of time can produce addiction..

What you should do, is go see a doctor and maybe they have other drugs that they can prescribe you that is almost the same that Blue cross would cover..

Answer 3

OK, you have to declare that ADHD diagnosis!  But you won't find someone willing to give you a private policy, that covers it.

I'd suggest you look for a new job, that offers group health insurance.  That's your ONLY chance to get that covered.

Answer 4

You weren't denied just because you asked about Ritalin.

Since you were already diagnosed with ADHD, you would have had to disclose that on the application for insurance anyhow.  (To not do so would be fraud, and they would have canceled your policy after they discovered the omission.)

So, if that insurer felt that you were too much of a risk to insure for your ADHD, they would have denied you the policy whether or not you asked about Ritalin.

(Of course, that doesn't change the fact that you got rejected, but at least you know it wasn't your "fault" just for asking that question.)

As far as what you should do now...check with other insurers in your area.  Just because one insurer denied your application for ADHD doesn't mean they all will.  (But be prepared for the possibility that your premiums may be higher than for the "average" person due to your condition.)

Or find a job that offers insurance.

Answer 5

Go to www.insurance-forum.net and look for a Cal independent agent.  It is a chat room for agents and you will get all the help there is.  You can even ask a question.