Menu

What If I Have A Pre-Existing Condition?

A wheelchair sitting in a hospital hallway

Starting in 2014, health insurance plans can’t refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a pre-existing health condition.

Being sick doesn’t keep you from getting coverage

Starting in 2014, being sick won’t keep you from getting health coverage. An insurance company can’t turn you down or charge you more because of your condition. It can’t refuse to cover treatment for pre-existing conditions.

Featured on BlackDoctor

This is true even if you have been turned down or refused coverage due to a pre-existing condition in the past.

The only exception is for grandfathered individual health insurance plans–the kind you buy yourself, not through an employer. If you have one of these plans you can switch to a Marketplace plan during open enrollment and get coverage for your pre-existing condition.

You can apply for Health Insurance Marketplace insurance when open enrollment starts on October 1, 2013. Coverage starts as soon as January 1, 2014.

Be sure not to miss open enrollment

Open enrollment ends on March 31, 2014. Outside of open enrollment, you can’t enroll in Marketplace coverage unless you have a qualifying life event.

Find out what you can do now to get ready to enroll.

Pre-existing conditions with Medicaid and CHIP

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program(CHIP) also can’t refuse to cover you or charge you more because of a health condition.

For more information, visit HealthCare.gov.

SHARE
Related Stories
Answer the question below
What actions have you taken regarding your leaky heart valve?

Get our Weekly Newsletter

Stay informed on the latest breakthroughs in family health and wellness. Sign up today!

By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.

More from BlackDoctor

Where Culture Meets Care

BlackDoctor is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically for the Black community. BlackDoctor understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BlackDoctor gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.
✦ AI Search Disclaimer
This AI-powered search tool helps you find relevant health articles from the BlackDoctor.org archive. Please keep the following in mind:
✦ For Informational Purposes Only
The information provided through this AI search is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
✦ Always Consult a Healthcare Provider
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read through this search tool. If you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
✦ AI Limitations
This search tool uses artificial intelligence to help match your queries with articles in our archive. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated results may occasionally be incomplete, outdated, or not fully relevant to your specific situation.
✦ No Doctor-Patient Relationship
Using this search tool does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and BlackDoctor.org or any healthcare provider.
Explore over 35,000 articles and videos across black health, wellness, lifestyle and culture
Full AI Search Experience >
×

Download PDF

Enter your name and email to receive the download link.

BlackDoctor AI Search