Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are painful to say the least. Since almost every individual depends on the unrestricted use of their arms on a daily basis, it is easy to see how a rotator cuff injury can cause problems for that person. This type of injury is also one which requires a great deal of medical attention in order to ensure that the injury resolves and the stricken individual can once again regain full use of their upper appendages. If you have experienced a rotator cuff injury and are trying to obtain new health insurance, you may find that the attempt to do so may be fraught with restrictions and hurdles. We'll address these issues below:
- Symptoms and treatments for rotator cuff injuries
- Difficulties in obtaining health insurance
- Health plan options for individuals with rotator cuff injuries
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
A rotator cuff injury affects the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder bones. If the muscles are weakened, the shoulder bone may slip out of the socket and result in a partial or full dislocation. When one injures this area through one way or another, they will find that they are met with extreme pain and limited if not full immobility of the affected area. In order to repair the injured rotator cuff, the individual must undergo a number of medical exams and treatments over an extended period of time.
Problems Obtaining Insurance With Pre-Existing Rotator Cuff Injuries
If you have a rotator cuff injury on the day in which you apply for health insurance, you may find that the insurance company hesitates to willingly and immediately provide the insurance necessary to cover the pre-existing injury. The reason for this reluctance is due to the series of doctor's office visits and physical therapy sessions which often go along with treating an injury of this kind.
Since rotator cuff injuries are not ones which heal themselves on their own within a few days of the injury, insurance companies tend to look upon this type of pre-existing injury as one which could cost them a good deal of money in claims down the road. Therefore, insurance companies may deny the coverage on this particular pre-existing injury for a certain period of time and/or charge a much higher annual premium.
Insurance Options for Individuals With Rotator Cuff Injuries
As with many other pre-existing conditions, for those who are searching for a good insurance plan which will not only cover the medical needs in general but also with regard to the specific pre-existing condition, there are a few options available to you.
The first option you have is to obtain an insurance coverage plan, wait the often standard 12-month waiting period to have the specific pre-existing condition covered and pay out of pocket for any and all medical bills relating to treatment of the rotator cuff injury.
A second option is to see whether there are any loopholes which allow you to jump right into coverage for the pre-existing injury, such as those provided by the federal statute HIPAA or COBRA plans.
Lastly, when all else fails, you may be able to sign up with the state's high risk insurance pool coverage plan until you can find another insurance option to suit your needs.
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Last Updated : Saturday, August 11, 2007