Will Health Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?

Many residents in Oshkosh, NE, have pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, or asthma. Essentially, this refers to any medical problem that you have before signing up for health insurance. Thanks to regulations established by the Affordable Care Act, most policies are now legally required to cover pre-existing conditions.

How It Works

Generally, health insurers can’t reject your insurance application due to pre-existing medical problems. They aren’t allowed to deny or limit treatment for these conditions. This is crucial because it gives you the flexibility to switch insurers, plans, or employers in the years after your doctor diagnoses a serious medical condition.

Exceptions

However, there are a few exceptions involving certain types of health coverage. A health plan may be "grandfathered" if you signed up for it before March 24, 2010. These plans aren’t required to cover pre-existing conditions. Likewise, grandfathered group policies might not cover them, even if you joined more recently.

Medicare supplemental plans, also known as Medigap policies, aren’t allowed to reject applications based on pre-existing conditions. However, some of them have pre-existing condition waiting periods that last up to six months. Treatment for the health condition will be covered after this waiting period ends.

Another exception applies to short-term health insurance plans. The Affordable Care Act’s rules regarding pre-existing conditions don’t apply to this type of coverage. To determine if it will cover a certain medical problem, refer to your policy or ask your insurance agent for details.

Nevertheless, pre-existing conditions are covered by the vast majority of health plans. If you’re trying to find a reliable medical insurance provider that will meet your needs, turn to the knowledgeable agents at Western Trails Insurance in Oshkosh, NE. We’ll help you compare the options available from a variety of major insurers. To get started, call Western Trails Insurance at 308-772-1044 today.