Questions and Answers Regarding North Dakota Health Insurance Coverage

I have been turned down by a health insurance company due to my medical history. Where can I go to get health insurance?

The North Dakota Legislative Assembly has established the Comprehensive Health Association of North Dakota (CHAND). CHAND, which is administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, provides health insurance coverage for individuals who, because of their medical conditions or history, have been unable to obtain health insurance from other insurers in this state.

A person enrolled in CHAND must pay premiums. By law, the premiums may not exceed 135 percent of the average premium rates charged by the five largest insurers with a similar plan of insurance in force in this state.

For eligibility in CHAND, a person must meet the following requirements:

• North Dakota resident for at least six months.
• Provide written evidence of being rejected for accident and health insurance (or that restrictive riders or pre-existing conditions limitations which substantially reduce coverage were required) by a least one insurance company within six months of the date of application to CHAND.

There is a waiting period after application before coverage is in force for maternity benefits and pre-existing conditions.

Application for coverage through CHAND may be obtained through any insurance agent licensed in North Dakota to sell accident and health insurance. General information on CHAND is available from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, 1-800-342-4718.

I will be quitting my job soon and I am worried about losing my health benefits. Is there a way I can continue my health coverage if I pick up the tab?

Terminated employees or those who lose coverage because of reduced work hours are able to buy group coverage for themselves and their families for limited periods of time under both a federal and state law.

If your employer has more than 20 employees, you will generally fall under the federal law, COBRA. COBRA establishes specific criteria for plans, beneficiaries, and events which initiate the coverage. Coverage is only temporary, ranging from 18 to 36 months. The former employee is responsible for the entire premium (the total of what you and your employer contributed). COBRA outlines procedures for employees and family members to elect coverage continuation and for employers and plans to notify beneficiaries.

If your employer has less than 20 employees, you will fall under North Dakota state law. This law identifies the specific rules and regulations to continue your group health coverage. Like COBRA, coverage is only temporary--39 weeks. You must also pay the entire premium to your employer.