Something you should know.

[Epson]

We have had some discussion about health insurance coverage and Sjogren,s Dx.  Well, you might want to read the article from the a Miami news paper. www.miamiherald.com/living/health/costs/story/973158.html.

[Scottietottie]

Hi

WoW - that is one scary article. 

Take care - Scottie

[lynnmarie219]

Thanks for sharing this Epson...I do believe it because it happened to me...even before I was officially diagnosed with Sjogrens.

I was told by someone who sells insurance that I was unable to get an extra life insurance policy being offered at my place of employment because I was on Lexapro...a darn anti depressant! What the heck is that about...I was appalled at the time but now know I'm even more "uninsurable" due to having an AI disease. They have also made comments on anti inflammatories in the past too.....knowing that all of these meds may be linked to a much bigger problem..so they cut you off when they are reviewing your application and see a "no no" medication listed.


Crazy...but unfortunately true! 

[Chickpea]

Hi Epson

Thanks for posting this.  As Scottie says, that is one scary article.  I suppose we shouldn't be surprised because these are profit making companies who want to make as much money as possible. And there's not as much money to be made out of people like us. 

Who are these 'data mining companies' who sell personal information about people to insurers?  Recently there were revelations in the British press about trade unionists and other activists being blacklisted by companies who employed private investigators to prepare reports on them.  People had been without jobs for more than 20 years in some cases; they'd get a job but once their documents arrived they'd get fired. 

Someone has to challenge this on the basis of personal freedom and confidentiality.  But who is going to be brave enough?

Hope all is as well as can be with you - Chickpea

[Patze]

Hi Epson, scary, isn't it?  It's 1999 gone sidewards.  And the scarier part is, what choice do WE (the patient) have?

Hi Chickpea, I've heard something about data mining companies lately, and it's not good.  Heck, I don't even return the purchase information sheet back to the company with anymore information other than my name and address.

Take care -

Patze

[wednesday mc haggis]

epson

just proves greed is a fat demon , that never sated.

I am truly grateful for the NHS here, and more so since i joined here and read some of the posts, the world has gone mad, its a violation of cicil liberty and human rights, as far as im concerned.

What i do know is i was once refused builgings insurance by a company because i was honest enough to admit i had had post natal depression 5 years before hand!!! Obviously thought i was at risk of setting my own house on fire  in some depressed psychotic episode, fools.

I find it so upsetting reading the posts here about insurance problems, drugs even when you are insured that it just wont cover, i never realised even if you had insurance that they could refuse to pay certain meds over there, disgusting situation , the worlds gone mad

T x

[baddabingtim]

Another interesting note is applying for life insurance - They will dig back and see if you were on any medications - I was on 2 anxiety meds 2 years ago and was declined life insurance from Fidelity - Even though I already have life insurance - I was looking for some extra coverage

[Epson]

It's funny, insurance companies are in the risk taking business, but don't want to take any risks.  They are also one of only two industies that I can think of that is exempt from anti trust laws.

[BonusMom]

Before applying for medical or life insurance it may be wise to request a consumer report from Medical Insurance Bureau http://www.mib.com/html/request_your_record.html so there aren't any surprises when you apply for insurance.    I think I recall reading somewhere that you can request a free copy once annually (kinda like a free annual credit report).

[theosof]

  I'm guessing as the economy gets worse this will be happening more often. It seems there are more folks w/ AI issues- what is that about? Enviornmental_ I really think mine has to do with the pesticides that were freely spread over my hometown when the polio outworks were common. But in regards to insurance- I wonder if there is anything that can be done- class action or something?