Is acid reflux considered a pre-existing condition?
Asked by: Zoie Ortiz | Last update: September 15, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (6 votes)
Does acid reflux count as a medical condition?
Acid reflux is a common medical condition in which stomach contents leak into the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. This tube is called the esophagus. Stomach contents are acidic, which can cause pain and tissue damage in the esophagus. Severe cases can lead to increased risk of problems with the esophagus.
What illnesses are considered 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.
Does GERD affect life insurance?
Will my life insurance premiums be higher if I have GERD? It is possible that your premiums may be higher if you have GERD, as it is considered a pre-existing condition. However, the actual impact on your premiums will depend on the severity of your condition and other risk factors.
Does acid reflux qualify for disability?
Medically Qualifying for Disability Benefits with GERD
If your combined symptoms from multiple medical conditions (including GERD) cause serious complications, then it may be considered disabling. You will need to show decreased workability due to GERD or acid reflux to qualify for LTD benefits.
What Is a Pre-Existing Condition? | Health Insurance 101 | GoodRx
What is the disability rating for acid reflux?
A VA disability rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, ranges from 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, or 80% based on how severe your condition is and how much it affects your ability to hold down steady work.
Can I work if I have acid reflux?
GERD may be associated with a marked decrease in quality of life, a loss of productivity and impairment of daily activities[4]. In some patients symptoms may be severe enough to prevent the patient from going to work.
Is GERD a permanent condition?
You can cure GERD permanently by making simple changes to your daily habits, like adjusting what you eat or maintaining a healthy weight. Some other people may need medication or surgery, but lasting relief is possible.
Is heartburn a pre-existing condition?
Is reflux really a pre-existing medical condition? The simple answer is yes.
Does acid reflux affect life expectancy?
Although not life threatening, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause health problems, such as sinusitis and esophageal ulcers. Occasional acid reflux is fairly common, but GERD causes persistent acid reflux, heartburn, and nausea.
How far back is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing medical condition is a disease, illness or injury for which you have received medication, advice or treatment or had any symptoms (whether the condition has been diagnosed or not) in the five years before your joining date. Health insurance doesn't usually cover 'pre-existing conditions'.
What type of insurance can be denied due to pre-existing conditions?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions
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 are my pre-existing conditions?
A pre-existing condition is any condition you had before your policy started. A chronic condition is something that is on-going and that has no known cure. Asthma, arthritis and diabetes are examples of chronic conditions.
Is acid reflux a serious condition?
If you experience acid reflux more than twice a week, you may have GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. If left untreated, GERD could put you at risk for other, more serious health issues.
Can you prove acid reflux?
To confirm a diagnosis of GERD, or to check for complications, a care professional might recommend: Upper endoscopy. An upper endoscopy uses a tiny camera on the end of a flexible tube to visually examine the upper digestive system. The camera helps provide a view of the inside of the esophagus and stomach.
What does stage 4 GERD feel like?
Symptoms of Stage 4 GERD
Sore throat. Hoarse voice. Chronic cough. Dysphagia (food getting stuck in the esophagus while eating)
What counts as a pre-existing condition?
A “pre-existing condition” is a health condition that exists before someone applies for or enrolls in a new health insurance policy. Insurers generally define what constitutes a pre-existing condition. Some are obvious, like currently having heart disease or cancer.
Is acid reflux a medical diagnosis?
A diagnosis of GERD starts with a thorough physical examination, during which you describe your symptoms and medical history. If the typical symptoms of reflux disease are present, including heartburn and regurgitation, your doctor may begin treatment without performing specific diagnostic tests.
What to drink for acid reflux?
Drinking water, low fat milk, and herbal teas may help manage it. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and sodas may worsen symptoms. Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows back up into a person's esophagus. It is common for people to experience acid reflux intermittently.
What helps acid reflux go away?
- Keep a food journal and avoid trigger foods. ...
- Avoid lying flat right after eating. ...
- Resist the urge to overeat or eat quickly. ...
- Take steps to lose weight if you are overweight. ...
- Elevate the head of your bed. ...
- Adjust your sleep position. ...
- Wear loose-fitting clothing. ...
- Stop smoking if you smoke.
What is the strongest medication for GERD?
Proton pump inhibitors – Medications such as Prilosec® (omeprazole), Prevacid® (lansoprazole), Protonix® (pantoprazole) and Nexium® (esomeprazole) offer stronger treatment than H2 blockers.
What is the new treatment for acid reflux?
The RefluxStop implant is placed on the outside of the stomach and covered by stomach wall tissue in a pouch. Reflux is effectively prevented by restoring the natural distance between the closing muscle (sphincter) and diaphragm.
Does acid reflux ever go away?
Most infants outgrow GERD by the age of one. Less than 5% of children will continue to have GERD symptoms when they become toddlers. If you are an adult with GERD, it will not go away on its own, but there are treatments that can help you manage it, including: Over-the-counter medications, such as antacids.
Is acid reflux considered a disability?
Yes. A student with GER or GERD has a disability if their GER or GERD substantially limits one or more of their major life activities. GER or GERD can, for example, substantially limit the operation of the digestive system, which is a major bodily function and therefore a major life activity under Section 504.
Can I call in sick for acid reflux?
However, if you often experience a sore throat due to allergies, acid reflux, or dry air, or if you overused your voice the prior day, there is no need to call in sick. One caveat: If you need to talk as part of your job and the sore throat has made it difficult to do so, you may want to take a day and rest.