High Risk Health Insurance
No one would disagree that the American health care system is broken. With the number of individuals without any medical coverage astounding, often times those that need health coverage the most are left to suffer without any repercussions to the medical or health insurance community.
Despite the problems inherit in our health care system, attempts have been made to at least help some individuals that are considered to be "high risk" by private health insurance companies. Anyone with a history of surgeries, hospitalization, chronic illness, or terminal illness all have the potential to be categorized as such and may struggle to obtain coverage.
Anyone with pre-existing conditions has the potential to be completely denied any medical coverage at all by private and small group health insurance companies. Another possibility is that coverage will be offered, but the policy will have riders attached to it. These riders are similar to legislative riders, that "ride along" as a condition of the policy.
Health insurance riders somehow limit the coverage that is offered for certain relevant conditions. For example, someone with a history of severe allergies may be offered a policy with a rider that excludes any and all care or medication coverage related to upper respiratory issues, regardless of whether something is actually caused by allergies or not.
Other riders may otherwise limit the offered coverage for one or more conditions by adding sky-high deductibles before the insurance company will pay anything towards care of the illness. An individual with sleep disorders may be issued a rider that requires a deductible of $8000 to be met annually before the insurance company will cover any necessary services.
Fortunately, in 2014, health insurance companies will no longer be legally allowed to discriminate among consumers based on any pre-existing conditions. This means that coverage cannot be denied, and riders will be illegal. However, it remains to be seen whether health care will truly be affordable at this time to anyone with pre-existing conditions, as premiums may be higher than they already are.
Individuals that are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare may be able to obtain coverage from their state high-risk health insurance pool. Requirements are generally rather straightforward, and have one of three stipulations: health insurance has been denied by other insurers, the current health insurance policy excludes coverage for certain procedures or pre-existing conditions, or the individuals applying for the policy currently pays a higher premium than that of the high-risk pool.
Starting July 1st, 2011, the federal government will make beneficial modifications to their PCIP (Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Program), including reducing premiums across the board. In addition, proof of rejection from a traditional health insurer or a policy offer with riders will no longer be required for eligibility. Specific pricing and coverage details vary across states, with some states operating their own PCIP independently.
In spite of pre-existing conditions, there is hope of obtaining affordable health insurance. With some research and paperwork, most consumers can find a policy that works for them.
About the Author
Casey Trillbar is the editor of the YourOnlineInsuranceAgent.com website which offers information, resources and online home, auto and health insurance quotes. For more information visit: http://youronlineinsuranceagent.com
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