There are some situations that can affect health insurance coverage, such as changes in employment or marital status. When managing an expensive chronic illness like a bleeding disorder, these situations may cause concern. There are resources to help guide you and prepare you in all situations.
This section of Steps for Living covers:
How Personal Changes Can Affect Insurance Coverage
Unemployment and Insurance Coverage
How Personal Changes Can Affect Insurance Coverage
A life change event usually creates the need for new health insurance.
Here are some examples of personal changes that can mean you need to review your insurance coverage and possibly get new coverage:
- Reaching an age limit that is stated in advance in an insurance policy
- Change in work status like working part time rather than full time, unemployment
- Getting married or divorced
- Death of a spouse
- A change in disability status
- A change in income
Under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (called HIPAA), it is easier to move from job to job without the risk of being locked out of insurance or having to wait for coverage of preexisting medical conditions. The act also does not allow insurers to discriminate based on your or your dependent's medical history.
Unemployment and Insurance Coverage
Unemployment may also affect coverage. Unemployed individuals and those who lose their jobs do have options. State Medicaid programs can help. If you meet the eligibility requirements your child may also then be eligible for a Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Many states have other programs for people with genetic disorders that are not tied to employment status. For example, in California, the Genetically Handicapped Persons Program helps both adults and children with certain types of genetic disorders, including some bleeding disorders.
To find out what resources might be available to you, talk with your child’s care team. Your state might also have a program that can help. You might also contact the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation's (NBDF) Information Resource Center, HANDI.
For more information on different health insurance plans, please go to Health Insurance Options and Types.
End of Coverage
Depending on the type of health insurance plan, coverage may end in some cases.
Here are a few examples of when insurance coverage might end:
Employer health plans
- Coverage for dependents ends when they turn 26 years old
- COBRA—the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985—is a part of a federal law that requires certain employers allow laid-off workers and their dependents to remain on the employee health plan for a specified period. This period is usually 18 months. Employees must pay the full cost of the premium, including the share formerly paid by the employer.
Medicaid
- When a child turns 19 years old, they will no longer be covered by Medicaid unless they qualify under the definition of disabled.
Individual insurance plans
- These plans are often through a state-sponsored individual health plan and/or a state high-risk plan. These plans will usually not be affected by personal changes. There are some exceptions like when a person becomes eligible for coverage under a group plan.
- An individual plan purchased through the open market will usually not be affected by personal changes.
Always review your coverage and talk to your insurer if you have questions. You can also review the current benefits booklet or the insurance policy online. You can also contact your employer's human resources department with questions or concerns.