As a technical/science writer and editor, I belong to a professional membership-based (dues-based) organization called the Society for Technical Communication. Today I was reviewing an annual "please renew your membership" pledge letter, and noticed something: the STC offers a health insurance program as a fringe benefit of membership. This makes a lot of sense because many STC members are so called "lone wolves," freelancers who work for hourly pay. To these independents, STC health insurance options can be a vitally important way to make a living while staying insured.
This made me realize: if you have been deemed high risk, uninsurable, have a pre-existing condition, etc., do you have access to a membership organization that might offer health insurance as a fringe benefit? Some organizations require you to have a related degree, certification, or career experience to join. However, many professional associations accept membership applications from anyone who might be interested in joining. A professional membership (which might run $200-$500 or more per year) might be money very well spent indeed if it offers you a new path to health insurance.
I don't know if health insurance offerings like the STC's health insurance program are designed to screen out high-risk individuals, or are done on a more accepting group insurance basis. But again, it might be worth applying for something like this if you have exhausted all other options and still don't have health insurance.
You can start your search for relevant professional associations by viewing a list of professional business organizations in the Yahoo Directory, Weddle's Association Directory, Wikipedia's List of professional organizations , or by visiting a local or university library or career services center. There are thousands of professional associations out there... find the right one, and you might find a new path to health insurance.
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