How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Health Insurance

Health insurance laws have changed a lot over the past decade. As such, there is a lot of confusion when it comes to purchasing a health insurance plan. Here at Insurance & Financial Services Inc. serving Baton Rouge, LA. we want to help you understand health insurance and get answers to the questions you may have. One question that we are frequently asked is how pre-existing conditions affect health insurance. How a pre-existing condition affects health insurance varies based on the type of insurance you are looking at. Here are three common types of health insurance and how pre-existing conditions affect each type of insurance. 

The Health Insurance Marketplace

If you are purchasing health insurance during an open enrollment period through the Health Insurance Marketplace, pre-existing conditions will not affect your policy. The medical company cannot ask you about any pre-existing conditions, cannot charge more for pre-existing conditions and cannot deny you coverage due to pre-existing conditions. 

Private Health Insurance

If you are purchasing health insurance through a private company, you may be asked about pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions can affect your policy amount and may even play a role in whether you are denied coverage. 

Group Health Insurance

Group health insurance plans, more commonly known as employer-sponsored plans, cannot ask you about pre-existing conditions, increase your rate because of them or deny you coverage because of them, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. However, a group health insurance plan can ask you if you smoke and increase your rates based on that. 

Are you looking to purchase health insurance in the greater Baton Rouge, LA area? Contact us at Insurance & Financial Services Inc. today to get answers to any questions you may have and help to purchase a great plan for your needs.