Hi Christina

I saw your message about health insurance, and I think  I can start a discussion.  First, insurance companies don't like to pay claims, like office visits, etc. - but it's all done according to the terms of your policy.  Second, most policies have what is called a "co-payment", which means that you pay some percentage of the cost of any medical treatment, usually around 20-25%.

The second term you need to know is "pre-existing condition".  Cerebral palsy is usually considered to be a pre-existing condition (PEC), because the condition existed before you signed up for their insurance, which means you'll probably have to see a doctor or others more frequently, which is why some policies exclude coverage for PECs - it costs the insurance company more to have people with PECs.  Sometimes, an insurance company will pay for PECs after you've had a policy for a year or so.

If you qualify for some kind of Social Security based on your disability, then you can get Medicare, or is it Medicaid?  Anyway, it will probably cover medical expenses related to your CP, but again, check first.

If you get insurance through an employer, good luck.  Some companies are good about covering PEcs, and some are not.  If you have to go shopping for your insurance, keep the above things in mind, plus things like deductible amount (you usually have to pay the first $200 - $500+ of your medical expenses each year), monthly payment - you have to be able to afford the policy, and a bunch of other things.  But these are the basics, are you scared yet?  :)

If you can get a policy that covers PECs, AND dental AND eye care, you have got it made!

Oh, if you go to college (I didn't see you mention that) most have student insurance policies that are fairly affordable, they may not cover a lot, but they're handy if you get injured or sick, which is mostly why I go see doc's.


>>I'm new here so please bear with me.  Does anyone know of medical insurance that someone who has CP can get at a reasonable price?  I'm covered under my mom's plan from her job, but it doesn't anthing to do with my CP, dental, or eye doctors.  I'm curious because one day I'm
going to have to have it.
Christina <<
Janet Perkins Corbett
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