Pre-Existing Conditions
When you buy health insurance and become covered for your health needs, it is possible that you may see the words “pre-existing conditions” on the main page. While it may not be the best news that you had hoped to see - it is not as bad as it once was. Insurance laws now dictate that it is only for a little while. Here are some details about pre-existing conditions, along with some good news.
New Laws Govern
Ever since 1997, companies that issue you a health insurance policy must now look at pre-existing conditions in a new light. In that year, the Health Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed. Among other things, it dictated that preexisting conditions could only be termed such for up to 12 months. Anything after that must be looked at as covered by the insurance company.
Recent Diagnosis Is Necessary
In order to be treated as a pre-existing condition, there must have been a diagnosis or treatment given for the condition in the last six months. Anything prior to that may not be counted. The insurance company does still retain the right to not issue you a policy if it feels that the risk to them is too high. But if it does issue you a policy, then it must cover all problems associated with that problem.
Exclusion Period May Be Shortened
If you are determined to have a pre-existing condition, then you can be given up to a 12-month exclusion period. This means that their company will not pay for any claims that stem from that medical problem during that time period. The length of time, however, must be shortened if you were treated within the last six months prior to the new policy if you maintained another health insurance policy, and did not let it lapse for more than 62 days. The amount of time that it is to be shortened by is equal to the time that you were covered under the old policy after you were diagnosed with the problem.
Changing Jobs Means Immediate Enrollment
If you had health insurance coverage at a previous job, and you get a new job, then you need to apply for health insurance in the new job as soon as possible. The 62 days apply here and if you want to be counted as having had insurance before it is certainly to your advantage. If you wait, then it is possible that you could be treated as if you did not have coverage and could be given the maximum of 12 months exclusion for a pre-existing condition. If your new employer has a waiting period before new employees can receive benefits (as most of them do), then this period of time will not count toward the 62 days. Be sure, though, to get coverage at the first possible opportunity.
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Free Health Insurance Quotes
By comparing health plans with other rates, you should be able to find the right plan. You can get your free health insurance quotes at the following sites:
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