What cutting protections for pre-existing conditions means for people with chronic diseases

[left-of-center2012]

Coverage for pre-existing conditions is critical for the millions of Americans living with chronic diseases, and it’s a matter of decency and existing law. Until the Affordable Care Act, people with pre-existing conditions were denied insurance coverage, charged higher premiums and offered limited benefits.Friday’s decision by a federal judge in Texas that threatens coverage of pre-existing conditions leaves millions in jeopardy a month after the topic dominated the midterm elections.

The case in Texas that now threatens the future of pre-existing conditions coverage came about when, earlier this year, the attorneys general of 20 states sued to have the Affordable Care Act declared unconstitutional. The Department of Justice also filed a brief arguing that the law’s provisions that prevent people with pre-existing conditions from being denied insurance or charged higher rates are unconstitutional.

For many years, our community was in the position where we had to battle with insurers that were allowed to deny coverage or charge significantly more to people with pre-existing conditions. We want to make certain that no one has to fight these same battles again, and that’s why we urge every member of Congress to publicly commit to defend protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions.

Americans with a chronic, serious and life-threatening disease like Type 1 diabetes should have access to comprehensive health insurance at rates similar to those without pre-existing conditions. Given the negative health consequences for millions of people living with chronic diseases, we ask Congress and the Administration to ensure that current legal protections for people with pre-existing conditions are preserved.

https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/421553-what-cutting-protections-for-pre-existing-conditions-means-for-people-with

[KT2000]

1. it is worse than that

insurance companies will comb through a patient's lifetime records, as they did before, to find a reason to deny coverage. I recall a story about a woman who was going to be treated for a skin condition and her ins co. denied coverage. A couple decades prior, a doctor had made a note in the records that she should be investigated for a particular skin condition - unrelated - that he never even mentioned to her.

[ROB-ROX]

2. OLD AGE WILL BE NEXT

I think they will start declaring "old age" a condition which requires high cost or canceling people's insurance. I am so glad my parent's genes combined to make me healthy and smart. Even with old age I have only one concern, but everything else works 100%....I jog at 66 which is BIZARRE.....