Selecting an insurance policy and trying to determine the ins and outs of coverage can be very confusing. These frequently asked questions and resources will help you get started. For more information, download the Arthritis Foundation's Access to Care for Arthritis guide.

1. Where can I go to get answers to help me understand confusing insurance terms?
2. Will my insurance policy cover my arthritis care?
3. How do I select the best health insurance plan for me? 
4. Will my parent’s health insurance cover my arthritis treatments when I graduate college?
5. Am I covered under my parent’s insurance plan if I take a year off between undergraduate and graduate school?
6. What happens if my insurance company denies claims for my prescription drugs, medical services, surgery, specialist’s office visit or any other claim?
7. What happens if I lose my job and my insurance coverage?
8. I cannot afford to pay all of the costs for my prescription drugs.  Where can I go for help?
9. Where can I learn more about Medicare?

Where can I go to get answers to help me understand confusing insurance terms?

Insurance policy terms can be unfamiliar and confusing.  The Access to Care Guide for Arthritis has an easy glossary of terms explaining some of the most common options for coverage, and important terms to know.

Download the glossary of terms.

Will my insurance policy cover my arthritis care?

If you do have health insurance benefits through your employer, your arthritis care may be covered, but you will still have to pay out-of-pocket costs and copayments for doctor’s visits, drugs and other treatments.  Some treatments may only be partially covered.  Examine your health insurance policy closely.

Download some key insurance do's and don'ts.

How do I select the best health insurance plan for me? 

There are many resources available that will help you select the best insurance plan for you. Also, ask yourself the following critical questions when selecting a health care plan:

1. Do you want to stay with your current physician? If yes, ask your physician what health plans he accepts?
2. Can you afford the out-of-pocket costs?
3. Do you want a specific disease covered?
4. What are the eligibility requirements?
5. What is covered? What is excluded?
6. Is there a pre-existing waiting period?
7. Is there an annual or lifetime dollar cap on benefits?

Download a list of states with high risk pools for people with pre-existing conditions.
Find resources for  choosing a health insurance plan. 

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Will my parent’s health insurance cover my arthritis treatments when I graduate college?

You are listed as a dependent on your parent’s insurance policy until you are 18 years of age OR until you graduate college, whichever comes first.  Some states have increased the age that you can remain as a dependent.

Download information about state laws on dependent status.

Am I covered under my parent’s insurance plan if I take a year off between undergraduate and graduate school?

If you are NOT enrolled in college, you are not covered under your parent’s health insurance.

What happens if my insurance company denies claims for my prescription drugs, medical services, surgery, specialist’s office visit or any other claim?

Even when you have insurance, your insurance company may deny a claim.  Your doctor and your pharmacists may be good resources. 

Download the denial of coverage checklist.

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What happens if I lose my job and my insurance coverage?

If you have lost, or are about to loose your coverage from your employer, there are options you can explore.

Download a list of states with HIPAA Options.

I cannot afford to pay all of the costs for my prescription drugs.  Where can I go for help?

Assistance programs are available for people who need help paying the coinsurance for prescription drugs and biologics.  Assistance programs are also available the uninsured.

See some of the resources available to help you with prescription drugs.

Where can I learn more about Medicare?

Here are a few resources for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and plans.

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
 
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

Compare plans in your area

Low Income Subsidy, “Extra Help” program

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