Very considerate for update. Most people ask a question and you never learn the outcome or hear again if the advice worked (or not).

In terms of knowledge, many do not even know about the health plan certificate. And Limited Benefit Indemnity plans are related to that, so they are def. not common knowledge. Were the limitations disclosed in an initial notice after open enrollment or when you first got into the group health plan?

FYI, because of their substantial limitations, Limited Benefit Indemnity plans are now becoming an endangered species. Companies are going to more comprehensive coverage or most likely, dropping their health insurance all together.

I believe the saying is: "it's the economy, stupid"

Just another update--

I received a response to my email last Thursday, but it only consisted of a request to know who my employer was so that they may answer my question. No response since. I am having a hard time understanding why this insurance provider cannot seem to answer a basic question within the span of (so far) a week and a half.

To answer TPA's question, the limitations were never disclosed to me. Not in the initial notice nor after I enrolled. That has been the crux of my entire problem. I was never aware that some group health plans are not creditable and certainly wasn't aware that the one in which I was enrolling was not. Had I known, I could have at least had the chance to perhaps end that job and find another that did offer creditable coverage.

I have no idea how to have my pre-existing condition covered now that I have been without creditable coverage for so long. Creditable being the key word here.

Blood:

If the initial notice did not disclose the HIPAA related limitations of the indemnity plan, do you still have a copy?

Do you have a copy of the summary plan description? The limitations may be there.

I believe the way the rules work, notices and disclosures have to be easy to read, so a person of average intelligence could understand them. The gov does not want "hidden" or double meanings for health insurance benefits or limitations that are already complicated.

Another (non)update...

Still no response. I think the limit of my patience has finally been reached. I have read through the plan literature countless times and can find nothing that would, in plain English, come close to informing me that this coverage is not creditable.

I am in the process of writing a letter to the Vice President of the company that administers this plan. If that fails to net me an adequate response I guess my next step will be to file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance, regarding both the absence of clear information regarding the plan type, as well as their refusal to respond to my inquiries.

Did you ever call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask if you could convert the policy at the insurer? Even a limited policy is better than no health insurance. Could you still call, or has too much time transpired? (maybe guessing, 62 days?).