Insurance

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
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joseph
Posts: 85
Joined: Fri Apr 06, 2007 1:59 am

Insurance

Post by joseph »

As an adult do any of you have problems with the insurance not covering treatment because it's a pre-existing condition? Did any of your mother's sue to get your medical bills covered? How much in medical bills is spent per year? The reason i'm asking is because i am contemplating sueing on behalf of my 8 month old son for future medical bills. thanks.
Breonna, Jospeh's mother, lobpi
Beckyerin
Posts: 104
Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 8:06 pm

Re: Insurance

Post by Beckyerin »

I have not had a problem getting PT/OT covered by insurance for my BPI arm. I recently had surgery to clear scar tissure from my brachial plexus and did not have a problem getting that covered.

I never had the tendon/muscle transfer surgeries that kids get these days so can't comment on that.

I know sometimes as an adult some insurances will make you wait a year(maybe less) to get coverage on pre-existing conditions but ya still get coverage in time.
Becky
Kath
Posts: 3242
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 4:11 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I am ROBPI, global injury, Horner's Syndrome. No surgery but PT started at 2 weeks old under the direction of New York Hospital. I wore a brace 24/7 for the first 11 months of my life. I've never let my injury be used as an excuse not to do something. I've approach all things, in life, as a challenge. I approach anything new wondering if I can do it. I tried so many things I might never have tried, if I were not obpi. Being OBPI has made me strong, creative, more determined and persistent. I believe that being obpi has given me a very strong sense of humor and compassion for others.
Location: New York

Re: Insurance

Post by Kath »

I have not had a problem getting coverage.
My parents did not believe in suing and knew it was the doctors fault.
Of course, I am 67 and people just did not sue.
I personally wish they had but they made the choice and it was best at the time.
No one realized that due to compensation I would have to face so many secondary problems.
They, of course, had no idea of the cost of medical care in the future.
I still have to go to PT at least once or twice a year to either loosen my arm or straighten my spine.
So the cost in the future is important.
I guess it all depends on the extend of an injury how much medical care a person will need in the future.

Recently, I was told if Erbs Palsy was on my referral I would not be covered because it was not curable.
I fought and won on that point.

Some state do not allow refusal for pre-existing conditions.
I know NJ is one of the states, I guess you could look that up somewhere.

Kath robpi/adult
Kath robpi/adult

Kathleen Mallozzi
User avatar
hope16_05
Posts: 1670
Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2003 11:33 am
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: 28 years old with a right obstetrical brachial plexus injury. 5 surgeries to date with pretty decent results. Last surgery resolved years of pain in my right arm however, I am beginning my journey with overuse in my left arm
Location: Minnesota
Contact:

Re: Insurance

Post by hope16_05 »

I have had an insurance company put ryders on anything that had to do with my arm because it was pre-existing. Because of that I had no medical care for my bpi outside of the wonderful care I recieved through Shriners!

Now though if I keep any insurance at all they cant say its pre-existing unless there is a break in my coverage, then it could be starting all over again. So I am still under my parents plan until I can find a job that I can get insurance and still go to school.

I hope you dont run into those road blocks!
Good luck!
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN
Amy 28 years old ROBPI from MN
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brandonsmom
Posts: 1401
Joined: Mon Nov 22, 2004 4:43 pm

Re: Insurance

Post by brandonsmom »

This is what I have experienced....my son is 8 1/2 years old. We were told that lapse of coverage doesn't apply in Illinois until they are five, as long as they are born with the condition, which of course he was. We just watched very carefully and now as long as we are not without insurance for 63 days, his BPI is NOT pre-existing. I don't know if it is different from state to state, but I know that we have no pre exisiting conditions, and I also have pre-existing also, but pay nothing additional because we have never had a lapse.

Last year, when my hubby lost his job, we jumped on STATE MEDICAID and didn't even have a one day lapse, we were very fortunate. Check with someone in your state, but I have had no problems. !!! GAYLE
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