Tips for Handling an Insurance Lapse
Source: Living with Hemophilia
When you're facing the prospect of high healthcare costs and no coverage, know where to turn
Staying abreast of your health insurance, policy coverage details, and new regulations can feel like a fulltime effort.
State-by-state insurance regulations vary widely, and new legislation seems to come at a frequent pace.
Factor this by deductibles and lifetime maximum caps, and it's not surprising that families living with hemophilia often need extra guidance to cope.
Insurance problems sometimes arise when:
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1 Hemophilia Foundation of SoCal. Emergency Financial Aid. Available at: http://www.hemosocal.org/about_progNservices.html. Accessed on August 17, 2010.
2 National Hemophilia Foundation. Financial and Insurance Issues. Available at: http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/MainPgs/MainNHF.aspx?menuid=34&contentid=24. Accessed on August 17, 2010.
3 Rosero J. Kids' state health insurance needs federal $$$. West New York Reporter. May 13, 2007.
4 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Bureau of Primary Health Care. Available at: http://bphc.hrsa.gov/. Accessed on August 17, 2010.
5 Northrop D, Cooper S, Calder K. Health Insurance Resources: A Guide for People With Chronic Disease and Disability. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Demos Medical Publishing; 2007.
6 National Hemophilia Foundation. NHF eNotes. Available at: http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/MainPgs/MainNHF.aspx?menuid=7&contentid=132&rptname=News. Accessed on August 17, 2010.
Staying abreast of your health insurance, policy coverage details, and new regulations can feel like a fulltime effort.
State-by-state insurance regulations vary widely, and new legislation seems to come at a frequent pace.
Factor this by deductibles and lifetime maximum caps, and it's not surprising that families living with hemophilia often need extra guidance to cope.
Insurance problems sometimes arise when:
- A job change involves switching insurance carriers
- The loss of a job creates a loss in healthcare coverage or a dramatic increase in the cost of premiums
- College-age children graduate and are no longer eligible for dependent coverage on their parent's health plans
- High deductibles create financial problems, or lifetime maximum benefit caps are reached
- Consult your local Hemophilia Treatment Center
(HTC). It has knowledgeable professionals to help navigate your
insurance policy and benefit statements. Some can even provide emergency
financial aid.1
- Contact your local National Hemophilia Foundation chapter. A social worker or financial reimbursement specialist may be able to offer help.2
- Apply to your factor manufacturer for assistance.
- Find your state's Children's Health Insurance Program
(SCHIP). This federally mandated state program helps provide insurance
to low income families who cannot afford private health insurance but
have incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid.3
- Find a free healthcare clinic. The U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services offers free clinics that will provide medical
care, even if you have no insurance. To find a clinic near you, go to: http://bphc.hrsa.gov/4
- Learn your rights and how to advocate for them. The 2007 edition of Health Insurance Resources: A Guide for People with Chronic Disease and Disability is an updated reference manual for understanding the health care system and maximizing your patient rights within the system.5
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1 Hemophilia Foundation of SoCal. Emergency Financial Aid. Available at: http://www.hemosocal.org/about_progNservices.html. Accessed on August 17, 2010.
2 National Hemophilia Foundation. Financial and Insurance Issues. Available at: http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/MainPgs/MainNHF.aspx?menuid=34&contentid=24. Accessed on August 17, 2010.
3 Rosero J. Kids' state health insurance needs federal $$$. West New York Reporter. May 13, 2007.
4 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Bureau of Primary Health Care. Available at: http://bphc.hrsa.gov/. Accessed on August 17, 2010.
5 Northrop D, Cooper S, Calder K. Health Insurance Resources: A Guide for People With Chronic Disease and Disability. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Demos Medical Publishing; 2007.
6 National Hemophilia Foundation. NHF eNotes. Available at: http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/MainPgs/MainNHF.aspx?menuid=7&contentid=132&rptname=News. Accessed on August 17, 2010.