Health insurance with preexisting conditions?

Submitted by Mindless-Bluebird420 t3_11wztwk in massachusetts

I’m moving back to MA from the South to die, or rather to enjoy my time remaining and not die in a swamp. Oncologist confirmed I have 3-5 years left, and all my family is in the greater Boston area. I read through the MassHealth site but thought I would ask here if anyone has moved to MA with preexisting conditions and gone through the marketplace dance? It wasn’t hard getting (low quality and expensive) insurance down here given I have cancer, but I’m nervous about getting established in a new state. My family all have coverage through work or Medicare so they don’t have much to say. I will definitely not be working, and I’m only 34 so Medicare isn’t an option. Any advice or pointers welcome!

Edit to add: thank you to everyone who took the time to respond, all of these replies were very helpful. I feel sort of silly because I have not looked into SSI or disability benefits yet, although I did quit my job today. I guess I haven’t fully processed that I do in fact qualify now. Also, my state repeatedly asked me about preexisting conditions which I have now learned is illegal… fuck Florida. I’m coming home.

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Quirky_Butterfly_946 t1_jd0ofcl wrote

I am so sorry to hear of your illness and hope you find great medical care here.

There are some issues such as do you have any savings, income, as you may be able to get on Medicaid. You may also qualify because of your medical issues and if it prevents you from working.

I would move up here first so that you can have a MA address. Can you stay with family, or get your own place? Since MA mandates health insurance, you should talk with someone at the heath connector to get an idea of what you qualify for. They will be able to give you the information you need, and if there is any residency requirements, could you afford paying for health insurance for a year? The health connector should be able to pro-rate policies based on income.

I would also get any health diagnosis in writing from your current doctor as you may need to provide proof of illness. Please be aware that sometimes Medicaid plays hardball, and may deny coverage, but that does not mean that you cannot appeal and usually with the right documents most people get accepted.

This sounds like a lot of work, so I hope family is able to help. Stay strong.

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dlovestoski t1_jd0pil5 wrote

Not a person who has ever been on Masshealth, just a healthcare provider who deals with people that are. As far as I am aware you cannot be denied coverage in Massachusetts for health conditions as it is the law. As long as your income is below a certain point and you can certify it, you will get coverage from one of the providers of medicaid, full stop. If you exist in Mass and don’t live anywhere else you will be covered, homeless people can get covered in and subscribe in-hospital. And in my experience our medicaid actually does a better job at approving necessary care.

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Crimson-Forever t1_jd0zhfy wrote

Have you applied for SSI Disability? If you can't work because of your health (Should be pretty easy to get an oncologist to sign off on that) it will give you some income.

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Initial_Dimension541 t1_jd12osz wrote

The affordable care act prohibits insurers from denying you based on a pre-existing condition.If you have filed for SSDI, if you have enough work history you will be eligible for Medicare. Masshealth is income based like any other Medicaid

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PolkaD0tMom t1_jd17i9m wrote

If you aren't going through the process of being determined disabled by the federal government (Social Security), then you get determined by Masshealth's Disability Evaluation Services after you complete the application on the Health Connector.

Any resident of Massachusetts who has been determined disabled by either Social Security or DES automatically qualifies for Masshealth, regardless of your income. You wouldn't qualify for a Health Connector plan.

With Masshealth, you have access to world-class healthcare.

https://www.mahealthconnector.org/

https://www.mass.gov/doc/eom-22-17-changes-to-streamline-masshealth-commonhealth-eligibility-for-adults-0/download

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EtonRd t1_jd1e9jz wrote

I had to get coverage through the marketplace with metastatic cancer and there is no issue with pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions cannot prevent you from getting insurance and they can’t charge you more.

If you were to go on SSDI, which is disability, if you have metastatic cancer, you’re likely going to be approved quickly compared to other people. But you don’t qualify for Medicare until you’ve been on disability for two years.

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Bigbird_Elephant t1_jd2mvt1 wrote

The Affordable Care Act made it illegal to deny insurance due to preexisting conditions

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ynwp t1_jd2picz wrote

Not sure if you would want it, but it sounds like you qualify for Medicaid?

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somegridplayer t1_jd2xi4d wrote

> Also, my state repeatedly asked me about preexisting conditions which I have now learned is illegal… fuck Florida.

That seems about as Florida as Florida can get.

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valley_G t1_jd2yjt8 wrote

I've never ever had issues getting health insurance through the state. This state does incredibly well with caring for our people. If you're on disability you can get state insurance probably at no cost. You're also eligible for food stamps and everything else. I can totally help you with resources if you need anything. Just shoot me a message. You can also apply through one of the hospitals or clinics. They have staff available to help.

Edit to add that you don't need to be on SSDI to get masshealth. You can get it for having no/ low income as well. You can also get cash benefits until you're approved for disability through welfare.

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Feisty-Donkey t1_jd5gvsw wrote

Hey, I’m sorry you’re sick but glad you’re moving here where you can access exceptional care.

Also, for what it’s worth, my best friend has metastatic cancer and they’ve given her news like that a bunch of times and she just keeps coming back. Good quality of life too.

I hope for that for you.

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