Health Insurance?

[PastorJeff]

If I wanted to retire at 62 before being eligible for Medicare, what would I find if I tried to apply for individual health insurance?  My last creatinine level was 1.6 while everything else is normal.  Anyone have experience or information on this?  Thankfully I presently have group insurance.

[Michael]

Pastor Jeff,

Your question seems to be based on concerns about "pre-existing conditions," like having one kidney or a high creatinine level. The good news is that, starting January 1, 2014, pre-existing condition limitations become illegal. All health insurance policies issued within the US must be "guaranteed issue," whether you have a health problem or not. You will also be able to purchase coverage from state health insurance marketplaces. Open enrollment for these marketplaces (aka exchanges) is scheduled to begin October 1 of this year, with an effective date of January 1, 2014.

There have been reports of living donors being denied health insurance or charged substandard rates. All of that should change at the beginning of next year.

[PastorJeff]

Thanks for sharing.  I hope you're right.