Changing employer with family having pre-existing condition (plan, coverage, benefits)

[Kuttampuram]

I have been covered on employer health insurance for the last 15 months. But my wife was covered only for the last 2 months. She came to US one year back. She did not have insurance until last month when I enrolled her in my insurance. Now I have a new offer with another employer.

My wife had a condition last month and currently we are doing diagnosis and seems like its related to Hypo-thyroidism for which many tests are being performed. Hence my question is if I move to a new employer whether my wife will be denied coverage for this particular condition?

I understand that If I have continous coverage for last 12 months (which I have) the new insurance company cannot impose pre-existing condtion on me. But how does it work for the family? Is it enough that I have coverage or my family should have coverage for the last 12 months? Thanks

[Briolat21]

I am not sure as employer sponsored coverage will often waive pre-existing conditions -- so I'm not sure if they'd restrict her coverage or not.

I think its a great question for the Health Benefits Manager of the new company. They should know the answer to this and be able to tell you.

Personally I think its unlikely that she would be permanently denied coverage for the condition by your new employer. It is possible that she would have to be covered for a period of time on the new insurance (3 months, 2 months, whatever), before that particular condition would be covered.

I'm sure there are some real insurance experts on here who can help you, but I encourage you to reach out to the HR department of the new company to ask them questions. Benefits are a very important part of an employee's offer of employment, and you have ever right to fully explore them and understand their effect on your family before you accept the offer.

[golfgal]

I agree, it depends on how the employer's plan is written. Some don't have a pre-existing clause at all, some have one for 30 days some it's longer.

[Kuttampuram]

Thanks all. Your reply has been very helpful. I will check with my new employer regarding the Health insurance coverage.

[Briolat21]

I hope they can help you to understand their benefits -- and Congrats on the new job opportuntity!!!