Startling news shows that one in five California residents (under the age of 65) have a “pre-existing” condition, which could render them ineligible for coverage, or offered premiums at inflated rates. Though health care reform promises all Americans coverage by 2014, this still leaves many without the coverage they need for years. What is considered a pre-existing condition? Pretty much anything you have been treated for, or are currently under treatment for prior to applying for coverage. While not all conditions will result in your denial for coverage, it can result in an increase in the monthly premiums from 20% – 100% higher. If you had a lapse in coverage, but are approved for coverage on a new plan, there may be a waiting period of 6 months before anything relating to your pre-existing condition will be covered by your insurance plan. The good news is as of September of this year, children under the age of 19 cannot be denied coverage due to their pre-existing conditions.
As your full service agency, we are happy to answer any of your questions relating to eligibility for a plan due to pre-existing conditions, what kind of rate increases you may be looking at due to your health history, as well as determining whether or not the six month waiting period applies to your situation.
Tags: health insurance, individual health, pre-existing, premiums, underwriting
