Newbie general questions

Hi!

I’m new to insurance after coming off parent’s plan as one passed and the other retired. I’ve found a marketplace plan I think looks good under Anthem, and it covers providers I need/may need in the future. It is $300 a month. I am in the state of Virginia.

I have a few questions. 1. I have had bad stomach issues that providers passed the ball on. My latest visit, an X-ray and colonoscopy were recommended due to polyps being found in endoscopy, ulcerative colitis I am not on meds for and have never been given info about, and family history of cancer. My doctor went on vacation and forgot to make any note or order meds/appointments, and then I lost my coverage. I also have a couple moles that I’d like removed and biopsied. Since I’ve had stomach issues for years and the moles, will that not be covered? If so, is there a way to work around that? I lost my parent to a rare form of cancer and the other battled a rare form of skin cancer and won, so this is important. I am very sick to the point I can’t function most days for a long time.

I read that even if it says a provider accepts their insurance, that most providers in VA do not accept marketplace plans at all. Is this true, and if so, what am I supposed to do then?

I took time off of work to care for a family member and now work online. I can estimate my yearly wage, but I could ultimately make way more or way less this year. Last year, I essentially made nothing. I do well now and it is deceiving to say I make nothing, but I also am worried that my guess won’t be right or even close either way. Does this matter? Do I just estimate based on what I currently made? If it’s off, can I get in trouble?

Edit to add: 4. My parents may have had me on an anthem plan- in that case, would preexisting conditions from that time frame be covered?

TIA!

submitted by /u/VANlLLABEAN
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