Pre-existing Conditions is how we landed in Orange County

Year is 1996, Darren’s company wants him to transfer to Southern California. At that time, there were no laws protecting people with pre-existing conditions. None. We had to move. No choice in the matter because by this time Sam was a million dollar baby with so many health issues. Most don’t remember insurance was this way. It was. Our little family was tied to an insurance plan through Darren’s work. Her health was so demanding I had to quit my Civil Engineering job. Darren’s company said jump, Darren had to say how high. We jumped from the San Jose area all the way to Orange County.

Later in 1996 things changed a little. Clinton signed a law that said if you had insurance and went to a new job, the new company had to cover what current employer covered. I remember telling Darren he could get a new job if he wanted! So strange to even think about it. But, there were strict rules. You couldn’t have even a minute of lapse in coverage. I remember paying a crap ton of money for COBRA when Darren did finally move on to a different company. And some job opportunities were never entertained because the company had crappy insurance plans. Passing up a dream job while in your 20s sucks when you’re not even supposed to be worried that much about health insurance.

Today, when I hear pre-existing conditions will be covered I want to know specifics. Like will they be covered the way they are are now under the ACA? Or just covered. That could mean your insurance can charge you double or even triple and still say they’re covered. And what if you get a new job? Do you have to do COBRA again? Currently, a lapse in coverage can’t be held against you thanks again to the ACA.

You may hate the ACA with all your might(and if you do I’m sure you only refer to it as Obama Care). I happen to cherish it. It protects Sam and her multitude of health issues, including 26 major surgeries. It also eliminated the lifetime cap a plan can impose. Yep, if repealed, she is maxed out with one insurance company. Have a student out of college and not quite on their own yet and still on your insurance? Yay for ACA.

I love my pre-existing condition Sam with all my being. It’s sad to think that 25 years later we can go back to being tied to a job because of insurance.

This shit keeps me up at night. I wish I could be oblivious to the new Supreme Court. Nope. And that is why it’s almost wine time on this Election Day.

Cheers. Nancy