Re: RE: reply from hennywin

[Guest guest]

Dear Carol,

I really don't know what to tell you . . . I can make

a few points - you will have to weigh your options.

First - they already know that you have breast

implants! . . . If availability of future insurance is

at stake, and implants matter to them, the cat is

already out of the bag. I'd suggest talking straight

to them about your coverage and if you go ahead with

your surgery, and you win your appeal, will you be

reimbursed? Shari was reimbursed post-explant after

Dr. Blais' report showed why she was sick. Work your

way up the chain of command if necessary. But, then if

you don't feel comfortable with that, I understand.

Have you had a lot of medical bills aready? . . . If

so, they may have to continue paying for you to stay

sick . . . doesn't make sense! If they are going to

cancel you anyway, can you afford to pay your medical

bills out of pocket?

New insurance plans sometimes have exemptions for

pre-existing conditions . . . some for as long as a

year. You might talk to some friends who are employed

at the type of business your husband is looking for

work at, and find out what conditions they have for

new employees. I don't know that you would want to

wait a year. . . It probably depends on how well you

are now.

On the other hand . . . sometimes women can get their

implants removed at a tax-supported hospital,

university associated hospital for free when one has

no source of income. . . Trying to find the key to

that door can be tough, but if you can find it, you

win. The downside is trying to find a doctor who will

remove them properly.

For myself, I found out a day or so before surgery

that my insurance wouldn't pay. . . I ended up using

the proceeds from a house I sold to pay for the

surgery. It hurt like **** at the time, but I was

very, very sick. . . Feeling desperately ill. I had

just lost my job because I couldn't do anything right.

I've long considered the money I spent to be the best

investment I've ever made.

I hope this helps! . . . I hope you called Mrs.

Leonard at the FDA to tell her what the implant

experience has meant to you! . . . 800 638-2041 ext.

141.

Hugs and prayers,

Rogene

[Guest guest]

carol

Is your new hubby's business covered under a "group" plan for insurance? I am asking as when I did my appeal and won we were under United HC... The company switched shortly thereafter to Aetna and I had no insurance issues there w/ preexisting problems although he stayed at the same job which may be the kicker. How long before your hubby starts his new job & gets coverage? I completely understand where you are coming from and certainly do not want to give you advice that may hurt your possibility for future insurance so this is why I am asking these questions. Through my experience, the new company my hubby went under flat out asked the question on the entry paper...."have you had any prior surgeries" "if so explain: and you really have to tell the truth on those. What I was gonna suggest was that if he is getting ready to start the new job/insurance maybe self pay for the explant now so they are out when you fill out the new paperwork which will probably look better to them.... Then file an appeal w/ your current ins co to try to get reimbursed...

for example.... I had my explant the end of April of 2003. My company I worked for which was also the same co my hubby worked for changed from united to Aetna on June 30. I didn't even get my report back from Dr. blais'' until then. I started at that point appealing and appealing united until I won. didn't affect my current ins plus it looked better on my application in June that they were removed...

I do not know what state you are in or what insurance co you have so all of this may vary.... I do not want to give you any ideas that may harm you situation so please find out their terms before you do anything. The reason I asked about whether it was a "group" policy is that if you have proof of prior coverage (your hefty $1200/mo) and there is no break in coverage before his insurance takes over and it is a group plan I think they have to rake you no matter what the condition ... if you let coverage lapse for even a day ten they go after you - I have seen it happen. Keep paying the obnoxious fees then only quit after your hubby's ins takes over. This is probably the only reason why I still have health ins as I am sure I couldn't get a private policy anywhere due to my past health history. I quit working the March after the new Aetna policy took over - paid the higher price for cobra until June when they renewed then got on my hubby's policy then. It went very smoothly....

i guess I am not much help here but to stress not to let there be a lapse in coverage, ever tho it it outrageous.... borrow $$, use a credit card - anything. if you let it lapse thent hey will get you for sure.

I am sorry you are going through this.... I feel your pain as I was right there with you.... I am feeling it again as my disability is up for renewal in January and I am considering trying to go back to work somewhere if it isn't renewed and I am wondering how to explain my absence and if that will affect my ability to get a job now much less insurance ever again other than with my hubby..... It is a sad viscous circle....

The best of luck!!!!!

love

shari