Pre-existing Condition
- A pre-existing condition is a medical condition that an individual has before he or she obtains health insurance
- A question that often arises within the context of a pre-existing condition is: How is the condition like this going to affect my health care coverage?
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There is no simple answer; a pre-existing condition may result in:
- The denial of any health care insurance coverage for the individual by the insurance company
- A refusal to provide coverage for that specific pre-existing medical condition for 9 - 12 months
- No effect on an individual's coverage
- Health care reforms currently being proposed will prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against individuals with pre-existing conditions