Archive for December 13, 2009
Insurance
In the insurance world, a chronic illness often is referred to as a pre-existing condition. All too often, it’s the reason insurance companies impose a waiting, or exclusionary, period during which expenses are not yet covered – or, in the case of an individual application, rejected. This practice prevents people from purchasing insurance only when they are ill, which raises insurance companies’ costs. Under federal law, if a person takes a job with employer provided health insurance, the insurer may impose an exclusion period of to 12 months if the employee has pre existing conditions. However, for individual health insurance, exclusionary periods vary by state.
Many survey respondents told us they have been unable to purchase independent health insurance altogether, and others have been dropped due to their high medical claims. Some work more than one job or stay in negative job situation to keep their insurance.
Forty two percent said insurance was their most important health concerns. And almost 4 percent told us they have no health insurance, citing cost and a pre existing condition clause.