I got insurance coverage!

[Lexie]

Hello everyone!

I was diagnosed with IC about three years ago and have been in remission (knock on wood) for about 2 1/2 years I was laid off from my job about a year and a half ago and have been on COBRA insurance ever since (I am in grad school and working as a graduate assistant and we don't get benefits). My COBRA coverage ends at the end of the month and I have been stressing about finding another provider who would accept me.

I just got a letter offering coverage! Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is providing me coverage despite my IC diagnosis. I am sooooooo relieved!

[Christine222]

Great news!

I always worry about coverage. I am using Cobra now too and I worry that if I get a dx of IC I will have problems getting coverage. It's great that you've been in remission so long. So you only had symptoms for about 6 months? Can I ask what treatment you did and what you took and what you are still taking. Thanks!

[Christine222]

Oh

I see you info. is in your post, ha sorry!

[Lexie]

No worries! Yeah, I was pretty bad shape for about 6 months and then gradually got better and better until I was in remission. I've been feeling normal now for over 2 years.

I was really panicking about the insurance coverage...and in your case, you might want to hold off on getting an official diagnosis until you secure individual coverage. I think that the only reason I was accepted was because I'm young (29), don't smoke, and work as a fitness instructor. I kept emphasizing that, LOL!

Good luck to you xoxo

[bubbe1]

insurance coverage

Lexie,
That's great! Getting insurance with a pre-existing condition is nothing short of a miracle!
Even better is that you're in remission. Wonderful!
Stay well,
Laurie

[greeneyes]

No worries about pre existing conditions as long as you haven't seen a doctor for your ic within the last 6 mths or a year, it will depend upon the insurance co.

[Lexie]

greeneyes -- I wish that were true! However, I was turned down by two companies for simply having been diagnosed with IC and I got coverage from the third because I hadn't had an in-office treatment in a year

[willow2389]

Insurance

My hubby got terminated from his job 3 weeks ago and they have not offered us Cobra they told us we werre covered till the end of April then no coverage in may and possibly june till they send out the cobra papers are they allowed to do this i cant go without coverage i found out how much it was and was just going to send in payment but dont know if they will accept, help does anyone have any advice im in dire straights the end of the month is almost here and i need my ic meds and others and they told me i would have to pay for them till they feel like sending cobra papers. I thought it was the law they had to keep us covered with no laspe in covrage.

[Lexie]

Willow, please contact your local unemployment benefits office or talk to your husband's HR department. This sounds illegal to me and highly unethical! I'm almost positive that thwy have to provide continous coverage. If they give you a hard time please call an attorney. It's important that you take your meds continuously. Good luck and keep us updated! Xoxo

[greeneyes]

Lexie so sorry too hear that, I work in insurance so it surprises me, I wonder if they just pick and choose. It sounds like the third insurance co did want they should had.

Willow, When someone at my job has been laid off or terminated they usually get the Cobra papers within 30 days, I would do what Lexie said hopefully you'll have coverage again soon.

[Lou Lou girl]

Re: I got insurance coverage!

Lexie, I just signed up for BCBS "S" network, a individual plan. I have to take Solucortef (steriod for bladder inflammation), Marcaine, Heparin in my bladder instillations. These are "non-formulary" meds according to my plan, but my doctor is going to file an Appeal explaining "medical necessity". I take them nightly for months on end. My IC is real bad. Just wondered if your BCBS covered your instillations. I'm sweating it. I have severe burning in my bladder. Without these instillations, I would require round the clock narcotic pain meds. Don't want to go there. I'm praying they will cover these meds. They are not listed as covered, but my insurance agent believes strongly they will cover them if my doc. makes the case for medical necessity. Just wondered what your experience with BCBS was about covering instillations. Thanks, Sharon