In 2001, Donna was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She was 35 years old and working part time for a small employer who did not provide health insurance coverage.
"I can clearly remember all the stress I endured because I lacked health insurance," said Donna.
Donna was eventually able to get coverage through the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA). The premiums were high and the coverage was limited. After her initial treatments, Donna has had no recurrence and she is currently cancer free.
In 2012, Donna applied for health insurance coverage. She was denied due to a pre-existing condition. The insurance company told her even though there was no recurrence of the cancer, they would not consider her application due to the fact she previously was diagnosed with late-stage cancer.
"I still worked for the same small employer that did not offer insurance, so I patiently waited for MNsure's open enrollment to begin."
Donna was able to find a better policy for a better price on MNsure. Her premiums went down by $55 a month, and her out of pocket maximum went from $3,000 a year down to $1,000 a year.
Through MNsure, you can no longer be denied coverage or charged a higher premium because of a pre-existing condition.
