So, yeah… that’s where I’m headed. I’ve been without health coverage since Dec 1, 2009 when my COBRA premium went back up to full price. The politicians – who all have GREAT health insurance – took their time extending the subsidy, and by the time everything was signed off on, it was too late. Some might say I should’ve paid the high premium, and after the subsidy extension passed let the overage be applied to future months. That could’ve worked… had I had the almost $500 premium. Sorry, I don’t have a money tree growing in my proverbial (and fictional) back yard. :roll:

So, in order to get into the federal pre-existing health conditions insurance pools, a person has to have not had health insurance for at least 6 months, and must have an insurance denial letter dated within the 6 months prior to the application date. I met the first condition but not the second, so I had to apply for a policy and be rejected. No problem; I have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (among other things it caused). That makes me an auto-reject.

So, I surfed myself on over to Aetna’s website and spent several HOURS completely, and truthfully, filling out the application. I gave my payment information (unlike UnitedHealthcare, they don’t actually take your money until you are approved for a policy), and awaited a decision.

It didn’t even take 48 hours. The next day, I logged in to check my application status, and there it was as plain as day…

Ironically, while my greenbacks were no good to Aetna for a health insurance policy, they’re good enough for the discount drug, vision, and dental card program they tried to sell me. I wouldn’t sign up for that program, even if it was the best one on the market, just on general principle (GP). If I’m not good enough for them one way, I’m not good enough for them another way. Aetna can kiss my grits.