Does Affordable Care Act cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies can’t refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a “pre-existing condition” — that is, a health problem you had before the date that new health coverage starts. They also can’t charge women more than men.

Can you be denied treatment for pre-existing conditions?

Health insurers can no longer charge more or deny coverage to you or your child because of a pre-existing health condition like asthma, diabetes, or cancer. They cannot limit benefits for that condition either. Once you have insurance, they can’t refuse to cover treatment for your pre-existing condition.

How long does pre-existing last?

A health condition could be considered pre-existing if you received treatment or medical advice for that issue from six months to five years before the insurance coverage took effect. The time varied by state.

Is overweight a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is defined as a medical condition that already exists before you obtain your health insurance. Some examples of these conditions are diabetes, heart problems and asthma. And, for some policies, simply being overweight can be considered a pre-existing condition.

Is depression a pre-existing condition?

In health insurance terms, depression is a pre-existing condition if you have seen a provider for it or been diagnosed with it during a specified period of time before you sign up for a new health plan.

Is arthritis a pre-existing condition?

Arthritis is generally considered pre-existing medical condition. This doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get travel insurance, but you do need to disclose your condition before you book your cover. With arthritis, you’ll need to declare your specific type of arthritis whether it’s osteo, rheumatoid, or psoriatic.