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Asked: Apr 29, 2010

I currently have pre-eisting coverage. What if I need to move?

My wife and I are considering moving from CA to AZ. We both have had separate individual Blue Cross of California policies since 1995 and have paid our premiums promptly since then. She now has an individual HSA policy and I have a individual PPO 5000 policy. In 2005, we both tried to switch to HSA policies in order to lower our costs. My wife was approved but I was denied because of a pre-eisting condition and I was required to keep my eisting policy. Over the past 14 years, the premiums we have paid have vastly eceeded any payments Blue Cross has epended on our behalf. We are not deadbeats attempting to get new insurance to cover a pre-eisting condition. We just want to move and retain the coverage we have had for over 14 years. If we decide to move to AZ, can we switch our policies to Blue Cross of AZ? Or will they require us to cancel our California policies and underwrite us as though we are new customers who have never done business with Blue Cross. Our ability to obtain insurance may determine whether or not we can relocate across state lines.

Categories: In Illinois

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Answers

In California, Blue Cross is a under the trade name Anthem Blue Cross. They are not directly associated with Blue Cross in Arizona, which is actually Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. In California, Blue Cross and Blue Shield operate independently, as in Arizona they do not. In addition, both of these companies are controlled by different state Regulations. There are some Blue Cross divisions that reciprocate on the portability of individual health plans from one state to another. The best thing to do is contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and inquiry about their policies in regards to this situations. Also, just because Anthem Blue Cross in California denied you a policy change does not mean that BCBS of Arizona will deny you coverage. They have different underwriting and acceptance guidelines and Arizona law allows insurance companies to place an eclusion rider on policies for pre-eisting medical conditions. You can contact their sales department at 602-864-4899. — June 29, 2009 @ 10:11 am

Answered: May 01, 2010

 

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