Pre-Existing Conditions (2024)

Health insurance companies cannot refuse coverage or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts.

Health insurers can no longer charge more or deny coverage to you or your child because of a pre-existing health condition like asthma, diabetes, or cancer, as well as pregnancy. They cannot limit benefits for that condition either. Once you have insurance, they can't refuse to cover treatment for your pre-existing condition.

Exceptions

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Pre-Existing Conditions (2024)

FAQs

Pre-Existing Conditions? ›

A health problem, like asthma, diabetes, or cancer, you had before the date that new health coverage starts. Insurance companies can't refuse to cover treatment for your pre-existing condition or charge you more.

What counts as a pre-existing condition? ›

What are pre-existing medical conditions? A pre-existing medical condition (PEMC) is an illness or injury you had before your policy began or was renewed. Examples of pre-existing medical conditions include, diabetes, asthma, high cholesterol or a long-term back condition.

What is considered a preexisting condition? ›

A medical illness or injury that you have before you start a new health care plan may be considered a pre-existing condition. Conditions like diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, and sleep apnea, may be examples of pre-existing health conditions.

Can you be denied for pre-existing conditions? ›

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies can't refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts.

What pre-existing conditions are not covered by life insurance? ›

Due to the added risk health problems create for insurers, some pre-existing conditions can raise your premium or even disqualify you entirely from certain types of life insurance. A few common examples of pre-existing conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and asthma.

How do insurance companies determine pre-existing conditions? ›

Post-claims underwriting can also be used by these non-ACA-compliant plans, meaning that they'll accept most applicants with little in the way of upfront underwriting, but will then do a thorough check of the person's medical history if and when they have a medical claim; if the condition is determined to be pre- ...

What is the difference between existing and preexisting? ›

Existing is a certain thing that is present nowadays and can be seen in present time. Preexisting refers to something that has existed a long time ago, and forgotten, and has existed once more in our present time.

Does a pre-existing condition have to be diagnosed? ›

Genetic information, without a diagnosis of a disease or a condition, cannot be treated as a pre-existing condition.

Is high blood pressure considered a pre-existing condition? ›

In the health insurance world, a pre-existing condition is any injury, sickness or condition that exists before the date an insurance policy takes effect. Examples include asthma, diabetes, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and so on.

Is arthritis a pre-existing condition? ›

Examples of Pre-existing Conditions

Arthritis. Cancer. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Depression.

Why can't pre-existing claims be denied? ›

Under federal law, a health insurance company cannot refuse to cover you or charge you more based on a pre-existing condition. A “pre-existing condition” is a health problem you had before the date your new coverage starts.

When did preexisting conditions end? ›

Before 2014, some insurance policies would not cover expenses due to pre-existing conditions. These exclusions by the insurance industry were meant to cope with adverse selection by potential customers. Such exclusions have been prohibited since January 1, 2014, by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Can employers ask about pre-existing conditions? ›

The ADA places restrictions on employers when it comes to asking job applicants to answer medical questions, take a medical exam, or identify a disability. An employer may not ask a job applicant, for example, if he or she has a disability (or about the nature of an obvious disability).

How to get life insurance with illness? ›

If your chronic condition is deemed to make you a higher risk insured, or make it likely your premium will be higher than someone without such a condition, you may wish to apply for a simplified issue policy which requires no medical exam, but does require an extensive health questionnaire.

Does Medicare cover pre-existing conditions? ›

Yes. When you sign up for Original Medicare, any preexisting condition will be covered immediately. However, you'll still be responsible for all out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.

What is a pre-existing condition if not diagnosed? ›

A pre-existing condition is a medical issue you've experienced in the past. This includes chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma, and one-off symptoms like knee pain. With us, a pre-existing condition is when you've had symptoms, medication, advice, treatment, or tests for something before taking out health cover.

What is classed as a medical condition? ›

Breathing conditions like asthma. Circulatory conditions such as strokes or high blood pressure. Gastrointestinal or digestive tract problems. Bone or joint conditions. Any form or type of cancer.

Is arthritis considered a pre-existing condition? ›

Some of the more common pre-existing conditions include asthma, arthritis, orthopedic problems, muscle strains or tears, and injuries suffered in past automobile accidents.

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