NC Health Insurance - What About Your Preexisting Conditions?

The bane of many seeking NC health insurance is pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions are any medical conditions that you had prior to your application for medical coverage. It can range from something as simple as a broken finger or something as complicated as cancer. However, insurance companies have limitations on how they can treat people with pre-existing conditions. Getting the right information is the way to get started. Let’s start by looking at the law.

 

With the passing of the HIPAA law in 1996, Congress restricted the ability of insurance companies to deny coverage for those with these conditions. If an employee has health insurance at one job for at least a year, that person can get coverage at their next job without any restrictions. The only exception to this is if they fail to carry insurance for 63 days in between. They will get insurance at their next job, however, the new insurance company does not have to cover the pre-existing condition for the first twelve months. If you have a pre-existing condition and are in between jobs or looking to start your own business, you may need to take the COBRA option if available from your previous employer. This will continue you with your current health plan and keep you from having a lapse in coverage.

 

If you are looking for private NC health insurance it is important to know that some individual insurance carriers deal with pre-existing conditions in different ways. Some may decline coverage for some conditions and treatments. Others can issue a rider to the policy that excludes the pre-existing condition for a certain period. Some will cover the condition but make you pay higher rates due to the increase risks. Each company works a bit differently. If you have a pre-existing condition don’t automatically, assume you cannot get coverage.

 

Don’t be afraid of getting health insurance with a pre-existing condition. A professional insurance broker will help you find a solution that can work in your situation. Getting quotes online are a way to get an idea of cost. However, in this situation, it is not in your interests. Online quotes are always best case scenario and mean absolutely nothing when dealing with preexisting conditions. Start with an agent in the first place. They can eliminate NC health insurance carriers quickly and work to find you the right combination of coverage and deductible to suit your situation. Your health and your wallet will thank you.