Im wodering if it is possible to get private health coverage that would cover me ? I mean, is Lyme consedered a preexisting condition ?

The health coverage I have is thru my exfiance, I am still listed as his certified domestic partner. But, we're not seeing each other anymore, he doesnt live here anymore and he is in love with someone else. So, I dont know how much longer this will hold out.

Also, I could emotionally use more seperation. And his taking care of my medical interfers with our discussions of childsupport, etc...

Anyway, has anyone here successfully secured private insurance while sick with Lyme ? I am on SSDI and so could sign up for and pay for medicare, but I know thats not going to cover anything I need to combat lyme or pay my LLMD, so why bother ?

I'm in Utah, so I don't know if every company is this way, but they are EXTREMELY picky about who they accept. They will not even accept anyone who has asthma and is on steroids.

Health insurance is such a sham in this country... We are still on Cobra and it is costing us $850/month.

Kara Tyson has posted some good links about state high risk pools. I might have to do this once our Cobra runs out.

Good luck!

Since you've been covered thru your ex, they by law have to offer you cobra which is what I'll be taking in March.

My husband's loosing his job and my option was either that, or get insurance for a business group of 1 since I own my own business but have no employees.

After checking insurance plans, I came to the conclusion that sticking to cobra will be my best option because most plans have higher deductibles, co-pays, and perscription drug plans were way higher.

The cost is very very high for cobra but none of us can afford to go without insurance.

They have a pre-exisitng clause that can range from 6-24 months. That only comes in to play if you have not been covered by insurance previously. If that is the case then you have to wait the 6 or 24 months for them to cover that condition.

I may be wrong on the private insurance thing but that would be the same thing as if you had a heart condition and they said they would not cover you because of that. It just doesn't sound right.

I will be trying to get private insurance in the next few months. I guess I will find out for myself. I hope you guys are wrong.

Yes, it is a preexisting condition. However, almost all states have a high risk pool for people with preexisting conditions.

Here is some information. All states are differant. I believe that CA has a 6 month waiting list.

you said: I am on SSDI and so could sign up for and pay for medicare, but I know thats not going to cover anything I need to combat lyme or pay my LLMD, so why bother ?

Just to expand your options, as far as Medicare goes, you are right, many LLMD's have "opted out" (personally, I think that stinks, but that is a political battle I don't have the energy for...but when I do, watch out!) but NOT ALL have.

Also, IV antibiotics are covered (the LLMD I consulted with said this coverage was better than most "regular" plans). The only caveat to that is that you have to get the infusions at the hospital outpatient place, a clinic, or doc's office.

Orals are partially covered currently with the prescription cards.

In addition to Medicare, you can buy (which I do), "add on" plans (also called "Medigap"). These plans pay all the deductibles and 20%/50% left overs of Medicare and may be cheaper than "regular insurance" that you want to get outright (mine is currently $138/month and BOY do I get my money's worth!!). Also, many of these plans include full prescription coverage (these have higher monthly costs).

That became law in NH some years ago,and has caused many carriers to leave the state, and yes, we have very , very high insurance costs here!