I Am Uninsurable Because of Pre Existing Conditions - Now What?

ntly thousands of uninsured, underinsured andPrivate Individual Health Insurance
uninsurable individuals, just like you, are facingIndividuals who have no employer sponsored or
serious health issues. Cancer, stroke, heartprofessional organization health options, yet they
disease, heart attack, diabetes, liver disease,have extensive health care needs and medical
AIDS, pregnancy, depression, kidney disease andexpenses, will find that obtaining coverage from
a host of other health conditions can causethe private market may not be a viable option. If
individuals to be declined for health insurance.coverage is found, premiums charged are often
Looking for uninsurable or pre existing conditionunaffordable. Moreover, insurers can turn down
healthcare coverage can be a challenge. These"high risks" individuals for coverage because of an
individuals have found it almost impossible to findexisting or previous illness. As we stated earlier, if
any type of healthcare coverage. Today, evenyou do find an insurance company that will
being over-weight is enough reason for someprovide you with health coverage, even if it's
insurance companies to decline your application forsomewhat limited, it would still be best to take
healthcare coverage.that coverage until a better alternative becomes
Preexisting conditions can sometimes make youavailable.
uninsurable and will limit your health care choices.State Risk Pools
However, there are ways to provide you withFor those with serious medical conditions, some
some type of coverage. By using creativestates provide access to private individual health
insurance planning, combined with the knowing andinsurance for uninsurable or health plans for
understanding of what is available, you can greatlyuninsurable through a high-risk insurance pool.
reduce the potential financial strain on you andConsumers in these pools have access to
your family.comprehensive private coverage plans, but their
Should you find an insurance company that willpremiums can be very high, sometimes costing
provide health coverage; you'll quickly discovertwice as much as those for private healthcare.
that this coverage is not cheap. And... theSome risk pools may be closed to new
coverage will probably be limited in scope whenenrollments or have a long waiting list. High-risk
compared to the coverage for someone with nopools offer an important last resort for people, (1)
known health problems. The bottom line is this,who have been denied medical coverage because
whatever coverage you can get, it's probablythey are too sick, (2) who are paying exorbitant
best to take it until something better comesfees for private insurance, or (3) who meet other
along.key conditions outlined by that particular state.
So... what are my options now that I amDiscount Health Cards
uninsurable? Here are a few. Which option youMany companies sell discount health cards to
choose to explore is dependent upon yourconsumers seeking affordable healthcare. The
individual situation.cards claim to save subscribers money by
Group Health Insuranceoffering discounts on physician visits, hospital
If available, this is by far the best choice forstays, prescription drugs, dental, vision and
those with chronic health concerns or pre existingchiropractic care. But discount health cards can be
conditions. Group health coverage is generallyconfusing, because they are really not insurance.
provided by an employer, so usually the employeeYou are still responsible for paying the medical bills
has little or no choice concerning the features. Theyourself. These cards simply offer lower prices on
principal advantage of group insurance is thatservices from the healthcare providers who agree
coverage is typically available to newly hiredto accept the discount terms. Sometimes, these
employees without any medical questions orcards make grossly inflated promises about the
concern for a pre existing condition. However,expected savings and benefits. Use caution when
coverage typically ends when the employee's jobpurchasing these cards as they can cost you
ends. Basically this is a guaranteed issue healthmore money than you'll save.
insurance program. Group coverage canGuaranteed Issue Health Insurance
sometimes be available, even for theThis coverage is ideal for those individuals who
self-employed, if coverage can be obtainedfind they cannot qualify for or afford other
through a spouse's employer.healthcare plans. A Guaranteed Issue Health
Professional OrganizationsInsurance plan, also known as a "mini-med" plan,
This option is mostly overlooked. Someprovides a considerable amount of coverage.
professional organizations offer to theirThey are usually very affordable and cover most
membership, a group insurance program as apre existing conditions after 12 months of
fringe benefit. This type of healthcare coveragecoverage. Guarantee issue health insurance is not
could be an important way to stay insured. If youbasic health insurance or major medical coverage.
have been deemed high risk, uninsurable or haveWhat they do is offer limited indemnity coverage,
a pre existing condition, check to see if you havemeaning they pay a defined amount for each
access to a membership organization that mightservice and procedure, such as a doctor's visit,
offer health insurance for preexisting conditions orhospital stay, emergency room visit, surgery,
for the uninsurable. You may be required to haveaccidental death, etc. Usually there are no medical
a certification or a certain career experience toquestions or physical exams needed to qualify.
join. However, other professional associationsYou choose your medical provider and the plan
might accept membership from anyone who ispays regardless of any other insurance coverage.
interested in joining. Even if the membership fee isThese plans are not to be confused with the
a couple hundred dollars a year, it still might be"discount health cards".
money well spent.