How to Find Affordable Health Insurance for Pre Existing Conditions
As time goes on, it’s becoming harder and harder to find
affordable health insurance. We used to be able to assume
that insurance, like other benefits, would be provided through
our jobs. Unfortunately, many employers no longer offer insurance
as part of their benefits plan, in an attempt to cut costs. This
leaves millions of Americans without insurance or a way to pay
their medical expenses. People who suffer from pre-existing
conditions are especially hard hit. They require regular
medical treatment, but no insurer will cover them for a reasonable
price. Thankfully, there are a few things that can be done
to find affordable insurance, even if you have a pre-existing condition.
Theoretically, health insurance is intended to cover unforeseen
expenses. Therefore, insurers feel that it is acceptable
not to cover pre-existing conditions. These are meant to
be covered by managed care plans, if such plans are available. However,
today’s plans are a little bit of each, so it can be difficult
to get coverage. If you have a pre-existing condition, your
ultimate goal should be finding employer-provided group insurance. This
is the least expensive option. However, if you and your family
are unable to change jobs to acquire this kind of insurance, your
options are more limited. Every state has at least one insurance
option for pre-existing medical conditions, but you will have to
check with your state department, and it can be very expensive.
Short term health insurance can cover you during the waiting period
for other insurance plans. Though you were covered by the
less expensive policy, federal law mandates that continuity of
coverage rules apply in these cases. Other family members
may be best covered by separate, less expensive plans than a person
with pre-existing health conditions. Most states have a limited
coverage plan available, called “Basic Health Insurance,” that
will cover all applicants and pay for pre-existing conditions. However,
this kind of insurance can be limited in scope and will not cover
all costs. Some people with low incomes can also receive
their insurance through public assistance plans.
The best way to find health insurance which covers pre-existing conditions
and won’t cost an arm and a leg is to find out what the specific
laws are in your state, and to check with the state insurance department. They
can tell you what policies are available to you, either through the
state, or commercially. Compare available insurance plans and
consult with a qualified professional before deciding on the insurance
coverage that you want. Insurance brokers who don’t work
for any specific company may be able to give you the kind of unbiased
advice that you need. You may also be able to use “value” plans
in combination with each other or with other types of plans to get
the kind of coverage that you need. In most cases, you will
have a waiting period with your new provider before pre-existing
conditions are covered.
