Is full major medical insurance available for an individual in California with Type 2 diabetes? Carrier names?

Question

I have called several insurance companies and cannot obtain coverage because of existing diabetes condition. Similar to "assigned risk" for an auto driver, is there such full, major coverage available? How do I go about finding the coverage? I have recently retired and my Cobra will expire soon. Is there any extension of Cobra available in California?

Answer 1

Actually...yes.

In California there are a number of options, even after COBRA has run out.  Specifically, you can apply for the Cal COBRA extention, meaning your coverage can go from 18 month to 36 months.  Your premiums will increase by approximately 8%, but the option will still be there.  After that, depending on the specifics of your circumstances, you can look into a HIPAA Conversion plan, or MRMIB.

Otherwise it is unlikely.  With that kind of pre-ex, pretty much anyone will refuse to cover you on an individual plan.  Your best bet, outside of the above listed plans, will be to secure insurance through an employer, if that is still possible for you to do.

Answer 2

Nope.  Your best bet is going to be the California High Risk Health Pool.  You have to apply, I *think* you have to be uninsured for 12 months prior, and there's a huge waiting list.  Plus, there's a $450 deductible, and up to 25% copay for some services, and a three month waiting period for preexisting conditions.  

That's not a best bet, that's an ONLY bet.  NO ONE is going to take on a diabetic, in a private plan, and cover the diabetes.

http://www.mrmib.ca.gov/MRMIB/MRMIPBRO.p...

That's why people don't retire until they are 65, and eligible for Medicare.

Answer 3

COBRA is a maximum of 18 months in CA.  Every insurance company will have a pre-existing conditions clause.  You will have to just find one with the shortest waiting period.

Answer 4

Try AmeriPlan they actually have a great diabetic plan and it is cheap!