Is diabetes a pre-existing condition?

Asked by: Ford Hegmann  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (73 votes)

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 is considered a pre-existing condition?

As defined most simply, a pre-existing condition is any health condition that a person has prior to enrolling in health coverage. ... Or it could be more serious or require more costly treatment – such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.

Can I be denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition?

Yes. 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 don't have to cover pre-existing conditions.

Is diabetes covered under preventive care?

Health insurance protections

This includes diabetes screenings for adults with high blood pressure; cholesterol screenings; obesity screening and counseling; diabetes screening for pregnant women; and some preventive services for children.

Does diabetes affect health insurance?

Adults with diabetes cannot be kept from enrolling in a health plan because of their condition. The same is true for people with other chronic conditions. Health plans cannot charge premiums based on your health. This means plans can't increase your monthly premium simply because you have diabetes.

Bupa By You health insurance | Understanding pre-existing conditions

36 related questions found

Is having diabetes a disability?

The short answer is "Yes."

Under most laws, diabetes is a protected as a disability. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are protected as disabilities.

What benefits are diabetics entitled to?

You're entitled to allowances that help you manage your diabetes. These are known as reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations for diabetes include: Breaks to check blood sugar, eat a snack, take medication, and go to the bathroom.

What is the best insurance for diabetics?

The 7 Best Life Insurance Companies for Diabetics of 2022
  • Best Overall: John Hancock's Aspire.
  • Best for Complicated Medical History: Prudential.
  • Best for Term Policies: AIG.
  • Best Affordable Option: Pacific Life.
  • Best for Qualifying Easily: Brighthouse Financial.
  • Best for Type 2: Protective.
  • Best for Type 1: Mutual of Omaha.

Is A1C considered preventive?

The A1C test is diagnostic. Whether your visit is preventive or diagnostic can have a big affect on how much you pay.

How does the Affordable Care Act affect diabetes?

The ACA created minimum federal standards known as “Essential Health Benefits” that require insurance plans to cover certain critical services, including preventive services like gestational and type 2 diabetes screenings, chronic disease management, and coverage for prescription drugs.

Which pre-existing conditions are not covered?

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. They cannot limit benefits for that condition either. Once you have insurance, they can't refuse to cover treatment for your pre-existing condition.

How do insurance companies know if you have a pre-existing condition?

How do insurance companies know if you have a pre-existing condition? Life insurance applications ask questions about your health, and the process typically requires you to give the insurer permission to access any medical records needed to validate your information.

How long can a pre-existing condition be excluded?

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 difference between existing and pre-existing?

You can use pre- in ways that are redundant, but it's a valid prefix, and preexisting has its own meaning. For instance, if you want to describe dinosaurs in relation to humans, existing doesn't work, but preexisting does.

Is high cholesterol a pre-existing medical condition?

High Cholesterol Life Insurance. Insurers classify high cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, as a pre-existing condition that can raise your premiums or even prevent you from purchasing insurance.

Does insurance cover A1c?

When measurement of hemoglobin A1c is covered

Reimbursement for measurement of hemoglobin A1c is allowed for individuals with a diagnosis of either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes as follows: a) Upon initial diagnosis to establish a baseline value and to determine treatment goals.

What are current recommendations for screening for diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association48 recommends universal screening for prediabetes and diabetes, using a fasting plasma glucose level, 2-hour plasma glucose level during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, or HbA1c level, for all adults 45 years or older, regardless of risk factors, and screening adults who have ...

Is it hard to get life insurance with diabetes?

Can someone with diabetes get life insurance? Yes, many people with diabetes can qualify for life insurance. For people with well-managed conditions who are generally healthy, it's even possible to find affordable life insurance for diabetics.

What is the average cost of diabetes medication?

Altogether, the average diabetes patient with insurance who can manage their condition without insulin spends about $160 on diabetes medication each year, while the average patient taking at least 1 insulin spends about $512 each year.

Can you be denied life insurance for diabetes?

However, many medical conditions, including diabetes, do not automatically disqualify a person for insurance coverage. In most cases, people with diabetes can still get life insurance; they may have to pay more than a person without a preexisting condition.

Do diabetics get free prescription glasses?

Prescription costs

People with diabetes that are treated with medication qualify for free prescriptions. If you take medication for your diabetes, apply for a Medical Exemption (MedEx) Certificate which will make you exempt from paying prescription charges.

Is diabetes a death sentence?

While a diagnosis of diabetes can be life-altering, it isn't a death sentence.

Do your hands shake with diabetes?

Low Blood Sugar

Your nerves and muscles are powered by blood sugar. When they don't get enough, they tell your hands to shake. Low blood sugar can be caused by diabetes, certain medications, too much alcohol, or not enough food.