4 replies to this topic

[Happycat]

Hi, my dh just had a very promising job interview.  Essentially, an old boss of his wants to hire him to work at a new company, and would want him to start very soon. 

We have always gotten insurance through dh's job, because insurance through my company sucks. 

If he gets an offer (very likely), how do you figure out ahead of time if the insurance benefits will be as good?  He definitely doesn't want to announce his wife has leukemia.  But we need to make sure the insurance is going to work for us.

Any tips on handling this situation?

Thanks,

Traci

[CMLSurvivor]

Ask to see there insurance plan before deciding to take the job. This is done all the time, and not an uncommon request or an unreasonable one. If it covers what you need go for it!!!

[Susan61]

Hi Traci:  It depends on what type of insurance this company will offer, and until he accepts the position they wil not be givng details and paperwork to sign up.  If he is that friendly with his old boss, just ask how the insurance is and how it works.  My husband switched jobs after my diagnosis of Leukemia, but they do not ask what type of illness there is.

The whole thing with insurance and pre-existing conditions you have to just be sure you do not let the present one lapse and then pick- up a new one.  Then they can refuse to treat you for your cancer as a pre-existing condition..

We went from my husbands first employer to COBRA for 8 months before the new insurance kicked in.  Every company is different as to when they will insure.  I think its 3 months before they pick you up.  Just be careful that you are not uninsured before going into the new one.  Hope I did not confuse you.

Susan

[CallMeLucky]

I would wait until the offer is made and then have him ask for a copy of the benefits program before he quits his current job.  Read through it and if necessary have him meet with HR and ask clarifying questions.  He doesn't have to come out and say my wife has leukemia.  He could say nothing or if he finds he needs to say something he can just say we have a "special need" in our household and I want to ensure the coverage is adequate. 

The reality is that if he has a job that covers you he needs to be careful making a change.  The last thing he wants to do is go somewhere and have them find out and then try to get rid of him.  You are better off knowing up front if they are going to be supportive or resentful.  Some companies don't care, others will look for ways to get rid of you - better to know what you are getting into regardless of what legal rights we may or may not have.  He wants to be happy at the new job so cover bases as best you can without giving away your life story.

[janne]

I formerly worked for a third party administrator and although it was far enough back that I don't remember all details, I remember a few. First, the time limit for being without benefits is 63 days before things become a problem. It would be well worth the COBRA benefit to carry you through if need be. As far as health care benefits starting with a new employer, all companies are different. 90 days is very common. I have seen benefits start in 30 days and I have seen some start immediately. I have also seen some benefits take longer than 90 days.These are all good points to ponder and yikes, by all means consider whether it would be a long term job for your spouse and I would definitely inspect the plan booklet for all those details we are so familiar with, deductibles, co-pays, out of network coverage, etc. etc. Additionally, please let us know how the transition goes for you folks, it might help any number of us making the same move, i.e. discussion with potential employer concerning the worthiness of their plan coverage ! Good luck !!