Historically speaking, finding the right health insurance plan for you could be tricky if you suffer from chronic or pre-existing conditions. This was especially the case if you were self-employed or ran a small business instead of opting for traditional employment.
But is that still the case today, and what do those seeking Burlington, NC health insurance need to know before choosing one option over another?
If you’re in the market for a new health insurance plan, Don Allred Insurance can help you explore your options. In the meantime, here are some things to know about whether pre-existing conditions affect your eligibility.
What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition?
By definition, a pre-existing condition can be any condition for which you obtained medical assistance before you had the health insurance plan in question. It can be a chronic condition requiring ongoing treatment, such as diabetes, depression, or hypertension.
Issues arising from accidents or other illnesses can also qualify as pre-existing conditions. So can a pregnancy if it began before health insurance coverage kicked in.
How Do Pre-Existing Conditions Affect New Insurance Options?
While it’s true that good personal health insurance was once notoriously hard to get if you had pre-existing conditions to consider, that changed for the better with the Affordable Care Act, effective January 1, 2014.
On that date, it officially became illegal for insurance providers to deny you coverage because of pre-existing conditions, including severe or terminal conditions like cancer. Providers can no longer raise your rates or restrict your benefits because of those conditions. And yes, this is as much the case in and near Burlington, NC, as it is anywhere else in the country.
However, it’s still important to make sure you settle on exactly the right plan for you, so it’s advisable to speak with an experienced insurance agent before making a final decision. Call us today at Don Allred Insurance, and let us take the guesswork out of the process for you!