I wanted to share what I have learned in the past year. I had many "insiders" /compassionate people that e-mailed my website . As you know, I could never get health insurance on my own with my genetic defect. 
 
Here’s what I have found:

TIP 1 - Interesting, In California and MOST states, they have laws that any small business person can get health insurance without being denied for preexisting conditions. In California its any business with two or more persons, other states, it’s just a business of one person. http://www.dmhc.ca.gov/dmhc_consumer/hp/hp_group.aspx. The law states that you only have to be a small business, not that the business makes any money, turns a profit, or that it is a successful business. So, this is all anyone needs to do to be insured, no matter how sick you are. DONT LOOSE YOUR LIFES SAVINGS!!! File a fictitious name statement claiming you’re in business.  It cost me $20 to file this form. I put my 27 year old son on as my business partner. He then waived health insurance under "our" business because he already has it through his employer. I then applied for health insurance under my new business and was approved. I gave a copy of the fictitious name statement to them and filled out the application. There were NO medical history questions, I was accepted ... no questions asked. To find the small employer options in your area go to http://www.healthcare.gov/index.html Then click on small employer options. A partner is considered an employee, so do worry if you don’t have any employees. The healthcare.gov site breaks down the law, you CAN’T be denied if you create a small business.  The only pain was that I had to file a separate partnership tax return but with in store tax software it just took me a couple hours. Worth the pay off!

What is the cost for my insurance now? $340 a mo. CHEAP!!! Compared to what I was paying on Cobra. It’s an HMO with no deductibles . Anyone can do this!!!  My business is making money  but it doesn't have to. You can Sell clothes on e-bay, or do whatever. Make two pennies a year in your business, it doesn’t matter. Here's the other neat thing. A self-employed small business can’t deduct 100% of the cost of insurance against any profit your business makes. So, if your business makes $350 a month. You can deduct every dime you pay for your health insurance against that on your taxes...so its basically FREE. In fact its almost worth creating "fake" income,because you then will also pay into Social Security in case you become disabled. It’s a shame, that we must play these games and that anyone can get insurance if they are really sick by simply filing a $20 piece of paper saying you’re a small business. You can list anyone as your business partner; a friend, family member, etc., and they can’t deny you. In some states you don't even need a business partner. I know CRAZY, but true. Here’s the link to find out your states laws on how many people you need to create a business and qualify for a group health insurance plan with no pre-existing condition clauses:  http://www.statehealthfacts.org/comparetable.jsp?ind=350&cat=7.



TIP 2 - Most insurance companies allow adding a domestic partner to your policy. This does NOT need to be someone of the same sex. Unlike marriage with its legal piece of paper, domestic partnership is not legally binding. One idea: Offer a room for rent in your home at a reduced rate to someone who has great health insurance that would agree to add you as a domestic partner. You will be following the "rules" of a domestic partner as well. You must live together and share expenses, and you will be doing that!

I had a great question through my website. They said in California, one person must be over 62 and of the opposite sex to be registered as a domestic partner. Yes, that’s true but insurance companies rules, to add a domestic partner to there Health insurance policy, has NOTHING to do with laws to become a "registered" legal domestic partner.  Check your work policy!!!  Most will allow you to add a boyfriend or girlfriend you’re living with to your health insurance policy. It’s not necessary to be a "registered” domestic partner. Insurance companies make their own rules and have agreements with many businesses on who can be on there health plan. In some states, new laws say they must allow domestic partners on your health insurance policy. Please see the law below.

In 2005, the California Insurance Equality Act required companies with a group policy that provides benefits to spouses must provide the same benefits to domestic partners. (Companies with self-insured benefits are exempt from state law.) This made California the first state to require equal insurance coverage for domestic partners. Now, over a dozen states have laws on the books that mandate benefits for domestic partners.

Even if your state doesn't mandate that insurance benefits be extended to domestic partners, an employer can choose to include them in group benefits. Many major group health insurers provide insurance for domestic partners through employers: Ameritas, CIGNA, Aetna, Kaiser Permanente, United HealthCareGroup, MetLife, Great West Life, Humana, Mutual of Omaha, Guardian and some Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. This link explains what a domestic partner is for Health insurance purposes: http://www.ehow.com/about_7305826_domestic-partners-insurance-rules.html.




TIP 3... Marry a military man!! I had so many men want to marry me that were in the military. Why? They get 10k more per year for being a married man. So basically they get paid to marry you! Its costs them nothing to add you to there policy and they have some of the best benefits in the US.

Come on America, have compassion for others. Share your wonderful health insurance with someone in need. It’s horrible that we live in the USA and must play these games . How many think the senate and congress should have to give up their sweet government health insurance plan to finally feel the pain we do?? When it doesn’t directly affect you, it’s hard to care for others. The other thing, if those public officials have ever had a chronic nose bleed, they have a pre existing condition and wont be able to get insurance either.

Below is why I will continue to help others play the health insurance game and WIN!!!!  
My Goal save one a day from BK! 

Thank you so very much.I have put your website link on several e-mail lists I subscribe to.You are providing an amazing service to your fellow Americans.Bless you and may you live a long healthy life,Richard


Terri,
Thank you so, so much for all of this info. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I was going to marry my neighbor to get on his plan (which is how I came across your website), and that has become a less and less appealing idea for a variety of reasons (primarily that I think he actually has feelings for me). Our system sucks! I'm so grateful you've figured out a way to work around it!
Thanks again, Maggie