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People might be unable to leave because they need their current employer's health insurance, but not leaving because of losing disability? That's a new one.


I didn't say that. Reading comprehension is your friend.


COBRA should fix the former, but it doesn't appear to cover the latter.


Potentially stupid question, but wouldn't they be covered under their new employers insurance?


Not a stupid question.

I am covered, during my time I am diagnosed with cancer. I get treatment, and am declared "free" of cancer. I remain that way for 5 years, and claim no more benefits. I am still covered.

I leave, and join a new company. To enter their health insurance, I have to declare any "pre-existing" conditions. They see that I am in remission from cancer, and offer my employer two choices: pay hugely inflated premiums, or get no cover. My new employer never expected to need to cover premiums 20 times that of their existing employees, and consequently I am now screwed.


Many times there is an exception for pre-existing conditions if you had continuous credible coverage.


The "P" in HIPAA stands for "Portability."

Group plans are limited in how long they can exclude someone for pre-existing conditions, and guarantees no waiting period if they already had qualifying insurance.

The private market doesn't have the same protections, for reasons both good and bad.




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