Health insurance cover for pre existing conditions
In the United States, until the Affordable Care (ACA) Act was enacted in 2010 most individual and group health plans excluded coverage of people with existing conditions. In other words, people with health conditions like asthma, high blood pressure or allergies might have to pay more for their health insurance.
People with chronic diseases and injuries were particularly affected by this discrimination, making it hard to get affordable insurance. Historically, the only way to avoid the discrimination was to purchase a large group health plan that was available to employees of companies with 500 or more employees.
These plans were more expensive and did not offer all the features that most individuals needed, such as prescription drug coverage or preventive services. The plans also had limitations on lifetime benefits. These plans often charge high out of pocket costs for cancer treatments, major medical expenses and other health care.
Before the ACA was passed, a person who had a pre-existing medical condition might have to wait a period of time before being able enroll in a different plan. This waiting period may range from six to twelve months, depending on state regulations and the type of insurance plan.
Lori, 48, was a freelance writer who had high blood pressure that she controlled well with two medications. She could only afford affordable coverage after purchasing her own insurance and paying her monthly payments. She was frustrated that she couldn't afford affordable health insurance and looked for a way to obtain more comprehensive coverage.
She eventually enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan. This plan included drug coverage, and there was no waiting periods for pre-existing health conditions. She also paid an extra $2 per month for her prescription drugs.
The ACA has capped the amount that insurers can charge people with preexisting medical conditions, but discrimination against them is still possible. This happens only very rarely. Insurers are limited in how much they can charge people who have preexisting conditions. However non-ACA conforming companies can still discriminate by excluding these people or raising premiums.
Coons suggests the ACA protected preexisting health conditions for the more 150 million Americans that get their coverage through their employers, but the claim isn't true. HIPAA protected those with employer sponsored coverage from preexisting conditions, but ACA expanded this protection to include all individuals and families who purchase their own insurance through the ACA Marketplace.
A Ca and Existing Conditions
The Affordable Care Law is an important law which has helped millions to obtain affordable health insurance in the US. The provisions in the law that protect those with preexisting medical conditions from being denied insurance are some of the most popular. Republicans have challenged the law in front of the Supreme Court multiple times but it has not been overturned. To ensure that everyone has affordable health insurance, it's important that Congress pass a strong law.