Can I be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition?

Asked by: Ms. Trycia Volkman  |  Last update: January 5, 2024
Score: 4.9/5 (72 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.

What are pre-existing conditions exclusions?

Pre-existing Condition Exclusion. A limitation or exclusion of benefits for a condition based on the fact that you had the condition before your enrollment date in the group health plan.

How do I get cover for pre-existing conditions?

Full medical underwriting

When you apply for cover, you'll need to fill in a questionnaire about your medical history. Your insurer might also need to speak to your doctor. Once they've gathered all the information, they'll decide what symptoms and conditions they can or can't cover and let you know.

What does insurance consider a pre-existing 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. They tend to be chronic or long-term.

Can insurance companies may no longer deny coverage to individuals with preexisting conditions?

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, health insurers can't turn you away, charge you more, limit your coverage, or refuse to cover your treatment simply because you have a pre-existing condition.

What are pre-existing conditions? - Can pre-existing conditions be denied?

36 related questions found

What type of insurance can be denied due to 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. They also can't charge women more than men.

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

All Marketplace plans must cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions. 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.

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.

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.

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.

What is a pre-existing condition if not diagnosed?

You don't need to have had a diagnosis for your symptoms to be considered pre-existing by your insurer. You may have gone for tests, scans or other investigations before you had health insurance and only received a diagnosis later.

Is migraine a pre-existing condition?

Normally insurers will consider migraines to be a pre-existing condition but whether this makes a difference to your policy depends on whether there is anything more serious causing your migraines. Again, it will be the underlying cause that makes a difference in these cases.

Is arthritis a pre-existing condition?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a pre-existing medical condition defined as a chronic inflammatory disorder whereby one's own immune system actively attacks one's own tissues.

What is a preexisting condition waiting period?

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 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.

What is a 12 12 pre-existing condition limitation?

A 12/12 pre-existing condition means that if you have a claim in the first twelve months, the insurance company will look back 12 months before you started the policy to see if you had a pre-existing condition that might have caused it.

When were pre-existing conditions eliminated?

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 insurance retroactively deny coverage?

A claim may be retroactively denied: if the premium payments are not made, if the health plan was not notified of other insurance coverage, or. if the provider submits a corrected bill.

How many months may pre-existing conditions be excluded on a Medicare supplement policy?

Be aware that under federal law, Medigap policy insurers can refuse to cover your prior medical conditions for the first six months. A prior or pre-existing condition is a condition or illness you were diagnosed with or were treated for before new health care coverage began.

Do you have a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is defined as any ailment, illness, or condition where, in the opinion of a medical adviser appointed by the health insurer, the signs or symptoms of that illness, ailment or condition existed at any time in the period of 6 months ending on the day on which the person became insured under the ...

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.

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).

Which title of Hipaa places limits on exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions?

Title I: Protects health insurance coverage for workers and their families who change or lose their jobs. It limits new health plans' ability to deny coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

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.

Can health insurance drop you?

Insurers can rescind your policy if you intentionally misrepresent material facts on your application. Insurers can cancel your policy if you do not pay your premium. However, you have a 30 day grace period before insurers can cancel your policy.