What to do about Health Care with a Pre-Existing Condition? Choosing a health care plan can be stressful enough on its own, but many people in the United States suffer from pre-existing health conditions, which can make the selection of a health care plan more stressful and more expensive. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to make choosing a plan easier. Follow these steps in order to find a health care plan that will provide for your needs:
Understand what “Pre-Existing Condition” means The first step in finding a health insurance plan in this situation is to find out if the term “pre-existing condition” applies to you. Generally speaking, health insurance companies view a pre-existing condition as any medical condition that you have contracted before applying for insurance. However, it pays to know how each company defines your situation, so make sure you have a good understanding of what your condition is, when you contracted it, and how it affects you.
Know the law The great news for people with pre-existing medical conditions is that, starting in 2014, it will be illegal for health care companies to turn you down or charge you more due to your condition. Additionally, people who already have health insurance cannot be denied the needed treatment for pre-existing conditions. Coverage for such conditions will begin automatically as long as you are already signed up for a health care plan, even if you have been turned away or refused coverage in the past. The only exception to this law is if you are on a grandfathered individual health plan; a health plan that you buy yourself instead of through an employer. With these insurance plans, you are not legally ensured coverage of your pre-existing conditions.
Know what constitutes a good plan Purchasing a health care plan can often be a new and confusing endeavor. In order for you to get the best value for your money, you need to know what a good health care plan generally looks like and consists of. While there are many factors that may sway your decision (such as insurance policies that do not require a medical exam before enrolling), you should be on the lookout for a health care plan that includes: - Daily hospital benefits - Dental and vision - Maternity coverage
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Prescription drugs Surgical benefits Anesthesia benefits Preventative care ICU benefits Diagnostics, lab, and x-ray
Be aware of enrollment dates People often forget that unless you have a qualifying life event (income raise, marriage, divorce, etc.), there is a specific time period during which you can apply for health insurance. Make sure you do your research in advance so that you know when your desired health care is available for enrollment. As long as you make sure to do your research accurately and in advance, finding a health care plan that covers your pre-existing condition for an affordable price should be achievable. Photo Credit: William Cho, Kevin Kratka