You’re sick, and you’re worried about getting affordable health insurance for pre existing conditions. After all, who is going to insure someone they know will be costly? You’ve also heard some horror stories about people being denied coverage in what might seem like an unfair health system. The good news is that as long as you’re well informed, you don’t have anything to worry about — you can find the right health care coverage for you!
What is a Pre-existing Condition?
First, it’s important to understand what it means to have a pre-existing condition. The easy way to think about this is if you’ve had a health condition or illness and it’s present before the first day you are covered on a new plan. For example, if you have asthma and are seeking a new plan, you’ll need to look for health insurance for pre-existing conditions.
You might be wondering why this is an issue for health insurance companies. Think about it from their point of view. They are in this to make money. If they know they will have to pay a lot of money while you’re covered with them, they are not going to be happy about it. It’s their hope that as few people as possible will need them to pay for their health care.
This does not meant that you won’t be able to get health care, however. Health insurance for pre existing conditions is not ideal in a lot of cases, but it’s there. Keep in mind that you will not always been accepted. If you are, you can expect to pay a higher monthly premium. You might even end up with fewer benefits.
What counts as a pre-existing health condition? Well, nearly any health condition. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and many others. The list is so long, and the need for affordable health insurance for pre-existing conditions is so great, that this can be very frustrating for you and your family health insurance plan decision process.
There is some good news about this, however. There are some conditions that will not affect your coverage at all, — depending on who you decide to go with. Others will, unfortunately, prevent you from being able to get coverage for that condition for about a year.
Are Your Pre-Existing Conditions Protected?
There are some protections in place to prevent abuse of the system. These HIPAA guidelines can work in your favor. These guidelines are why you do not have to wait longer than a year to 18 months to be covered.
You might want to scream from the mountain tops, “but I need coverage now!” This is where Creditable Coverage for health insurance for preexisting conditions comes in.
Creditable coverage is simply any health insurance you had before you got your new family or individual health insurance plan. This is great news for those who are seeking affordable health insurance for preexisting conditions. As long as your previous coverage was not interrupted for 63 days or more (depending on your state’s guidelines and your insurance), you can have this time credited toward a preexisting condition exclusion that is being imposed on you.
There is always a catch, which is why you’ll want to do as much research as possible to ensure you get the best affordable health insurance for pre existing conditions in your situation. These HIPAA rules only apply to group health insurance plans. Unfortunately, if you are seeking an individual plan, this does not apply for you.
Does that seem unfair? It is, in a way. Still, the health insurance companies have to protect their business and that is one way of doing it. As an individual client, you are more risky than a group seeking health care coverage. Obviously, it’s key that you do whatever you can to find health insurance for pre existing conditions that will work with any illness you currently have, and will serve you well. There are good plans out there! Be sure to compare health insurance plans carefully with the guidelines we mention here.
Most People Can Find Affordable Health Insurance for Pre Existing Conditions
There are also ways you can join a group plan, even if you’re an individual or want a family plan. There are often professional organizations that allow you to benefit from this. This is great news for those who are self-employed, own their own business, or are freelancing. Again, researching this option can do some great things for you. You can get as many individual health insurance quotes from companies as you like. There’s no penalty for shopping around.
New Health Care Bill and How it Affects Your Pre Existing Condition
As you might be aware, there are some changes coming our way very soon when it comes to health insurance for pre-existing conditions. It’s all about the new health care bill. Whether you agree with many of the changes or not, it’s pretty unanimous among the public that this particular change is a good one.
Insurers will no longer be able to deny anyone coverage because they have a pre-existing condition. Some changes will take place as early as September 23rd, 2010. It’s likely already happened as you’re reading this.
The first consideration for law makers regards children. Insurers are no longer able to exclude children with pre-existing conditions from being on a family health insurance policy. Adults will have this same protection — but not until January 1st, 2014. There are some temporary ways around this until we reach that point.
You might need to consider the Plan B interim solution, if you haven’t had health insurance for at least six months. If that’s the case with you, you’ll be able to enroll in a high-risk pool and receive subsidies to help you pay for your health insurance. Contact your local health department to learn more about this, as it varies by location.
Get Covered Today!
No matter what your particular case, you absolutely cannot go without health care. This can be far more costly for you in the long run, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. If you will qualify for the high-risk pool, you’ll want to look into that. If you won’t, then there are still plenty of options for affordable health insurance for pre-existing conditions!
It’s important to not let anything hold you back from getting the care you need. You’ve already been dealt a bad hand with your condition, so it’s time to fight back with some good health care coverage. Do your due diligence and seek out affordable health insurance for pre existing conditions, and you’ll be on your way to living a healthier and happier life!
