Question about the 6 month waiting period for pre-existing conditions in HCR

[NNN0LHI]

Suppose my union concludes at some point that there is only enough money left in our medical fund to last 6 months. Which could very well happen. Would I then at that point be able to purchase a medical insurance policy though the HCR Exchange and then when the 6 months had went past would my wife and I then both be covered for our pre-existing conditions without any lapse of coverage?

Is that the way a situation like that would work? Or would it be something different? Thanks in advance if anyone knows.

Don

[PA Democrat]

1. Yes, that's pretty much the case.

Here's a brief description fro th Christian Science Monitor:

The new reform law does create a temporary backup plan for those uninsured who have health problems.

This Plan B is a short-term, national high-risk insurance pool. US citizens and legal immigrants who have preexisting conditions and have been uninsured for at least six months will be eligible to enroll in this pool and receive subsidies to help them afford the premiums.

Under the law, the premiums for this pool will be the same as would be charged for a standard population of people with varying risks. Maximum out-of-pocket cost sharing for enrollees will be $5,950 for individuals and $11,900 for families, per year.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0324/Health-care-reform-bill-101-rules-for-preexisting-conditions

[Schema Thing]

2. Not if you currently have insurance...

You'd have to go w/o for six months, BUT- there has been a change in many states that does away with the six month waiting period. Check your state.


In Texas for example, I wouldn't have to wait. Ironically, while before I was just someone who couldn't afford to buy insurance, I am now someone who could - *just barely* afford the insurance, but will do without unless I get a serious illness. That is until 2014 when I'll have to buy it, but I'll get some subsidy help to do so.