Insurance implications of Asperger diagnosis

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I believe I may have Asperger's. I'm considering pursuing a diagnosis from a professional and weighing the benefits and costs. I'm wondering if anyone has knowledge of insurability with Asperger's. I'm concerned that such a diagnosis could be held against me gaining insurance coverage or the price I pay for insurance coverage.

What are exactly the benefits of a diagnosis. Is this a treatable disorder?

No, AS is not curable. You can however learn to live with it, so if that's what you mean by treatable then 'yes'. You can get better understanding of other people, but don't expect much. You can't rewire your own brain.

I live in the Netherlands, so I don't know about your insurance.

Autism and Aspergers are definite disqualifiers for private health insurance in many states. Also keep in mind that there are few if any services available for adults with Aspergers or autism in most states. I would advise that if you are seeking therapy to keep the Apserger's diagnosis unofficial.. Temple Grandin advises adults not to get an official diagnosis because "It will wreck your health insurance." I am diagnosed with autism (299.00) and I qualify for exactly ZERO benefits or services. In Florida the only way autistic people can receive services is if they are also considered "mentally ret*d." (i.q.<70). Yes, it WILL be held against you when you apply for private health insurance.

Last edited by cyberscan on 29 Dec 2010, 5:23 pm, edited 2 times in total.

I had my Pyschologist take my dx away (changed to accute stress syndrome) just to avoid any sort of insurance issues. There are zero benefits from what I can tell to getting a formal dx.

My diagnosis has had absolutely no effect on my insurance, but I'm insured through work.

That is generally true. For some reasons, insurance companies are not allowed to discriminate against people if they get their insurance through their employer. But of you ever lose your job or become self-employed, it is likely that you will not be able to get private health insurance at least if you live in the P.S.A.

It seems different in Canada. Here, I do not think you lose insurance. My benefits are guaranteed by law.

^^THIS^^

It would NOT affect my current insurance but who knows what issues may arise in the future Risk is there and benefit is ZERO. Makes the options easy for me.

A formal DX is the only way you can qualify for Social Security Disability. If you can't hold a job that's a big benefit.

If you have other conditions, you may not need the AS diagnosis. Also, as long as you have a diagnosis and can show impairment, I don't think the diagnosis matters.

I have "full blown" autism, and I don't qualify for "social security," medicaid nor any kind of decent private insurance plan. However, I am required by law to wear a medical alert tag when I drive.

Huh? Why? It's not as if autism is contagious or something.

It is my understanding that someone dx with Autism could be arrested for being non-verbal or misunderstanding sarcsim (for instance) if pulled over. The braclet is so that cops will be more understanding IF they see the tag (please correct me if I am wrong)

Also, IF you are so severly disabled by your condition that it warrants SSI or disability then that does change the risk versus benefit equation. For me, there are ZERO benefits for a dx. Only risk...

Temple Grandin said it well: Don't get a diagnosis unless it will help you.

Examples:
* You want some professional services and your insurance won't cover it without a diagnosis.
* You want some government services and they won't pay up without a diagnosis.
* Other cases like the cop / bracelet example in this thread. (Though I don't get that one. In American we have the right to remain silent. Is that a problem in other countries??)

If it won't help you get something that you need then don't bother lest it somehow backfire.

That is generally true. For some reasons, insurance companies are not allowed to discriminate against people if they get their insurance through their employer. But of you ever lose your job or become self-employed, it is likely that you will not be able to get private health insurance at least if you live in the P.S.A.

What is the particular reason wrt autism? Is it simply classified as a pre-existing condition or is there some even more ridiculous reason?