MSfree ~
Your medical insurance situation is a tough one. I have to agree with our judicious moderator,
Steve, that signing up for increased coverage now (ASAP) would be a good idea. To avoid being ensnared in the 'pre-existing condition' coverage trap, I would cancel your doctor's appointment at this time.
However, be aware that HIPPA (Health Insurance and Accountability Act of 1996 ) states that a
preexisting condition can only be classified as a condition that was in effect
six months prior to the effective date of the policy and it can only be
excluded for
one year after the effective date of the policy. However, HIPPA protection only applies to
employer sponsored plans and government sponsored individual programs.
Individual health insurance policies (that you purchase on your own) are
not protected by HIIPPA.
Individual plans (not under HIPPA protection) are allowed to exclude a condition permanently. Thus, if you take out a 'private' health insurance plan, it
could (but not necessarily
would) exclude an acoustic neuroma that you've had for some years prior to your becoming a policyholder. There is a huge medical database insurance companies use (the
'Medical Information Bureau') that will help the insurance company find out whether you knew that you had this condition before you took out the policy. If so, they can deny your claim, raise your rates (and still exclude the condition from coverage) or, in some cases, rescind (cancel) the policy based on your (alleged) misrepresentation when you originally answered the medical questions required to apply for the policy.
It's a tricky business and you have to be careful or risk paying good money for medical insurance that you won't be able to use if and when you need it. I would consult a trusted insurance agent or someone who works in the insurance business for advice on what company to apply to and be sure to know
exactly what their 'pre-existing' rules are. I would assume that, being near 60 years old, the cost for a 'private' medical insurance policy will be fairly steep, although, because it would be a 'secondary' coverage policy (your employer's policy would pay, first) that might hold down the expense.
I used to work in the insurance business for a time, but handled auto and home. My wife was a senior supervisor in the claims division of a major insurance company (The Hartford) and handled auto and homeowner claims, not medical, so although I understand the insurance business in a general way (especially auto and home) I'm not an expert in
medical insurance coverage but I offer what I can in the hope that the information is of some help to you in your situation.
JimMS captive (with no regrets) 
