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Resource Description:

Questions answered by the resource:

Protections When Buying Individual Health Insurance in Washington
http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net/wa03.html
Source: Institute for Health Care Research and Policy, Georgetown University

Comprehensive description of health insurance options for, and rights of, people who can not obtain, or are loosing, coverage through en employer or other group plan. Topics covered include individual health insurance sold by private insurers, COBRA continuation coverage and Washington continuation coverage, conversion policies, and the Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP).
full description

• What rules regulate when and how an insurance company can refuse to cover me because of my health?
• I am having a baby or adopting a child. Will my individual health policy cover the child?
• Can my individual health insurance exclude or limit coverage for preexisting conditions?
• Can I be charged more for individual health insurance because of my health?
• Can my health insurance company cancel my insurance because of my health?
• I had health insurance through my employer, but I no longer work there. Can I continue my coverage, and if so, for how long, and what should I do when coverage terminates?
• When must COBRA coverage be offered to me?
• What do I have to pay for COBRA coverage?
• How long will COBRA coverage last?
• What is conversion coverage and when will I be eligible for it?
• I can't find a health insurance company that will cover me or my children because of preexisting conditions. What other options are available?
• What is the Washington State Health Insurance Pool, who is eligible for it, and what will it cover?

Summary of Health Insurance Protections in Washington
http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net/wa01.html
Source: Institute for Health Care Research and Policy, Georgetown University

Summary of how state and federal laws protect access to health insurance and health care in Washington. Includes a concise list of some of the most important rights and protections of Washington residents, and a separate list of limits on rights and protections.
full description

• Will my health or preexisting conditions affect coverage under my employer's group health plan?
• Can a group health plan discriminate against people because of their health or other reasons?
• Can my health plan exclude or limit coverage for preexisting conditions?
• Can my health insurance company cancel my insurance because of my health?
• Can a health insurance company turn down my application for an individual policy because of my health?
• Can I be charged more for individual health insurance because of my health?
• I can't find a health insurance company that will cover me or my children because of preexisting conditions. What other options are available?
• I can't afford medical care or health insurance for myself or my children. What medical assistance programs may help me?
• I had health insurance through my employer, but I no longer work there. Can I continue my coverage through COBRA, and if so, for how long, and what should I do when coverage terminates?