| There are thousands of people around the country | | | | While private medical insurance may be the most |
| who face expensive medical bills but are denied health | | | | comprehensive, there are a number of other options. If |
| insurance due to existing medical conditions. Insurance | | | | you have been denied medical insurance before, you |
| companies often refuse to cover those who suffer | | | | might be eligible for your state's high-risk health |
| from high blood pressure, cancer, asthma, diabetes, or | | | | insurance pool, if available. These pools are available in |
| heart disease, leaving these people to face significant | | | | at least 34 states, and are usually easier to get into |
| financial hardship. Although being in this situation is | | | | than other insurance plans. However, they might not |
| difficult, being denied does not mean that you should | | | | cover certain diseases, and by relying on state health |
| give up. Many insurance companies allow appeals, and | | | | insurance you trust the legislature to remain intact. If |
| there also a number of alternatives to private health | | | | you are married and your spouse has health insurance |
| insurance. | | | | provided by his or her employer, you have another |
| If you have been denied medical insurance for some | | | | option. Many of these plans do not require any proof |
| reason, the first step is to appeal the decision with that | | | | of good health before enrollment, but you might only be |
| particular company. Make sure to research any | | | | able to enroll once a year during the open enrollment |
| applicable laws (they vary depending on the state) and | | | | period. |
| record every step of the process in case the | | | | The good news is that reform is on its way and if you |
| company needs documentation. If the company denies | | | | have been denied health insurance, you will only need |
| coverage again, try contacting a health insurance | | | | to find a temporary alternative. The Patient Protection |
| broker. Talk to him or her about your situation and he | | | | and Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law in |
| or she will try to find an insurance company that best | | | | March of 2010, prevents insurance companies from |
| matches your needs. Generally speaking, medical | | | | discriminating against people with pre-existing medical |
| insurance brokers know the ins and outs of several | | | | conditions. It also eliminates pre-existing condition |
| different companies and can help you work through | | | | exclusion periods. The act will cover children beginning |
| the system. You may have to offer a compromise | | | | in September, 2010, and will extend to adults starting in |
| such as an elimination rider, however. This would allow | | | | January of 2014. |
| you to have basic health coverage, while excluding | | | | If you need assistance in locating particular coverages |
| treatment for your condition. Obviously, this is not the | | | | at a pre-determined price, we can help you save up to |
| optimal solution. | | | | 50% on your health insurance monthly premium. |