Those With Pre-Existing Conditions Have New Protections
A recent Kaiser Family Foundation Health Tracking Poll found that many Americans who suffer from “pre-existing conditions” don’t realize that they may benefit from provisions in the Affordable Care Act.
Key findings from the poll:
Fifty-two percent of Americans say that they or someone else in their household has what would be considered a “pre-existing condition.” Among this group, one in five (21%) say they or their family member has had difficulty at some point getting health insurance because of a pre-existing condition, including 14 percent who say they were denied coverage because of the condition. … Many of those who report having a pre-existing condition, or living in a household where someone has one, are unaware that the health reform law offers new protections for them. …*
Under the Affordable Care Act, eligible uninsured individuals with pre-existing conditions can access a temporary Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan until 2014. At that time, insurance companies will no longer be able to deny or limit coverage or charge higher premiums to anyone because of a pre-existing condition. Insurers will also be prohibited from placing lifetime limits on coverage.
To learn more about how the Affordable Care Act might help you and/or your loved one, go to www.pcip.gov or www.healthcare.gov or call 866/717-5826.
*Source: Kaiser Health Tracking Poll — September 2011. www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/8230.cfm.
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