Are preexisting medical conditions covered by a new employer's health insurance?

Asked by: Prof. Madaline Steuber I  |  Last update: October 17, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (3 votes)

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. They also can't charge women more than men.

Can you switch insurance with a preexisting condition?

No insurance plan can reject you, charge you more, or refuse to pay for essential health benefits for any condition you had before your coverage started. Once you're enrolled, the plan can't deny you coverage or raise your rates based only on your health.

What do health insurance companies consider pre-existing conditions?

What are some examples of pre-existing health conditions? Chronic illnesses and medical conditions, including many forms of cancer, diabetes, lupus, epilepsy, and depression may be considered pre-existing conditions. Pregnancy before enrollment is also considered pre-existing and chronic.

What is the pre-existing conditions exclusion under a small employer health plan?

A pre-existing condition exclusion period limits the number of benefits that an insurer has to provide for specific medical conditions and does not apply to medical benefits afforded by a health insurance policy for other types of care.

What is the longest period of time an insurer may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions in an LTC policy?

Policies covering long term care services may not contain a preexisting condition limitation of more than six months after the effective date of coverage.

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Can insurers no longer deny health coverage due to pre-existing conditions?

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.

How long can a pre-existing condition be excluded?

The time period during which a health plan won't pay for care relating to a pre-existing condition. Under a job-based plan, this cannot exceed 12 months for a regular enrollee or 18 months for a late-enrollee.

What are pre-existing conditions in the workplace?

Pre-existing medical conditions are injuries or illnesses that predate a workplace accident (and were not in turn related to workplace activity). Pre-existing conditions can be obvious existing injuries such as herniated discs, broken bones, torn ligaments, knee injuries, back injuries, neck injuries, etc.

How many months prior to the date of enrollment may health policies exclude a pre-existing condition if medical treatment or advice was received?

Q: Can health plans still limit or exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions? In California, group health plans can limit or exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions for adults (age 19 and older) for up to six months from the date coverage begins.

Which legislation limited exclusions for preexisting medical conditions?

The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) impose restrictions on insurers' ability to limit the coverage of pre-existing conditions.

What is the acute onset of pre-existing conditions?

The acute onset of a pre-existing condition is one where you know you have a condition you have been treated for in the past, but then you experience a very sudden, unexpected health issue that came out of nowhere and you need immediate treatment. You must be treated within 24 hours of onset of symptoms.

Is high blood pressure a pre-existing condition?

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is a common pre-existing medical condition, and can be covered by your policy - but you need to meet the conditions below.

Which policy covers pre-existing diseases from day 1?

List of Health Insurance Plans Covering Pre-existing Diseases from Day 1
  • Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum Essential Plan. ...
  • Aditya Birla Activ Health Platinum Enhanced Plan. ...
  • Star Diabetes Safe Insurance Plan. ...
  • Care Supreme Plan with Instant Cover. ...
  • Niva Bupa ReAssure 2.0 Plan with Smart Health+ ...
  • Universal Sompo A Plus Plan.

What if I already have a pre-existing disease?

If a person already has a pre-existing disease then the chances of raising a claim increase. As a result, Health Insurance Companies are reluctant to cover pre-existing conditions. Some Insurance Companies may cover them as per terms & conditions and charge a higher premium for them.

Can insurance companies deny coverage?

A car insurance company can deny coverage for almost any reason. An insurer might deny coverage to a driver who it believes poses a higher risk and is more likely to file a claim.

Is knee surgery a pre-existing condition?

There are a number of other common health conditions that also would have qualified as a pre-existing condition. Pregnancy is classified as a pre-existing condition. Eating disorders are also pre-existing conditions, as is arthritis and even having had a knee replacement.

When did insurance start covering pre-existing conditions?

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 health insurance be applied retroactively?

If you qualify for Medi-Cal, you will also be evaluated for retroactive coverage. You will have to provide some basic information about the past months to qualify; a Medi-Cal representative will contact you and explain the process. What if I have other health coverage, can I still apply for Medi-Cal? Yes.

What does pre-existing conditions exclusion period mean?

The time period during which an individual policy won't pay for care relating to a pre-existing condition. Under an individual policy, conditions may be excluded permanently (known as an "exclusionary rider").

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).

What are examples of pre-existing conditions that are not covered by health care?

Pre-existing conditions are medical conditions and health problems that you had before the start date of your health insurance coverage. Examples of pre-existing conditions include cancer, asthma, diabetes, and even pregnancy.

When can a small employer plan pre-existing conditions may not be excluded for any longer than?

If a plan provides coverage to you through an HMO that has an affiliation period, the plan cannot apply a pre-existing condition exclusion. A pre-existing condition exclusion can not be longer than 12 months from your enrollment date (18 months for a late enrollee).

What is the 6 24 pre-existing condition exclusion?

A Pre-Existing Condition is excluded from coverage for period of [6-24] months following the Covered Person's Rider Effective Date. If the Covered Person is Diagnosed with a condition listed in this rider that is determined to be a Pre-Existing Condition, no benefit amount is payable for that listed condition.

How do I appeal a pre-existing condition?

If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, you need to speak with an experienced long-term disability lawyer right away. Your legal representative can help you understand why your claim was denied and take proactive and aggressive steps to file a timely administrative appeal if you have group coverage.