Shopping for health insurance can be time consuming and challenging as you try to determine which plan will fit into your lifestyle and budget. If you are living with cancer or heart disease, like millions of people across the country, finding a health plan becomes even more difficult.
What is a Pre-Existing Condition?
Dr. Meena Seshamani, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, describes a pre-existing condition as "a medical condition that existed before someone applies for or enrolls in a new health insurance policy." It can be a more serious health issue such as heart disease or conditions you normally wouldn't consider an insurance risk, like hay fever or a sports injury.
Statistics
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that "36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market were discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition." One in three people suffer from heart disease, and approximately 11 million people are impacted by life-threatening diseases such as cancer.
Forms of Denial
CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen reports in her article, "Tips for getting insurance when you have a pre-existing condition," that a significant portion of the population is either turned down completely for health insurance because of a pre-existing condition, assessed a much higher premium, or will not be provided services for the condition they are living with. Those who are fortunate to obtain insurance through their employer as part of a group plan do not face denial because of a pre-existing condition, but someone who is self-employed or unemployed does not have the same option.
Tips for Obtaining Insurance
Cohen provides some tips for obtaining insurance if you have a pre-existing condition. Some states provide the option of becoming a group so you can't be denied health insurance or charged higher rates. If you become unemployed, take COBRA if your company offers it, so you won't lose your coverage. You have 63 days from the time you lost your employer-related health insurance to obtain a new plan without being denied coverage. Find out if you're eligible to join a "high-risk pool" through web sites such as the American Diabetes Association, which provides individuals with pre-existing conditions affordable health insurance. In addition, some professional organizations offer health insurance to their members or employers.
Health Insurance Reform
Dr. Seshamani expects new health insurance reform to prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition and to continue coverage as long as payments for insurance are paid. Insurance companies will not be allowed to drop a policyholder or deny services based on a person's health.
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