| Most people agree that health care reform is | | | | most likely to develop preexisting conditions as defined |
| desperately needed. The debate continues about the | | | | by the insurance industry and the National Healthcare |
| current plan enacted and its long term costs and | | | | Bill recently passed. Most people are not aware that |
| effects. There are numerous online articles addressing | | | | for some reason thyroid conditions have increased |
| the National Healthcare Bill and there are several | | | | dramatically over the last decade and thyroid |
| questions regarding the bill that need to be addressed. | | | | medication has become the number one prescribed |
| One concerns preexisting conditions. What does that | | | | medicine in the country. This is followed closely by |
| mean? When does it go in effect? What effect does | | | | medicine to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol |
| it have on me and my family members? | | | | lowering drugs. These three conditions are life |
| A preexisting condition is any medical condition for | | | | threatening if not treated. The cost of doctor |
| which you have received treatment for an extended | | | | appointments, necessary laboratory tests needed to |
| period of time. The definition of a preexisting condition | | | | monitor these diseases and the cost of the |
| varies by state but, in general health insurance policies | | | | prescription drugs can be a burden on anyone. |
| exclude coverage for conditions that have been | | | | Fortunately the advent of $4.00 generic brands has |
| diagnosed or treated within the previous 12 months to | | | | lowered the cost of the medication but not the doctor |
| 24 months, depending upon the company and policy. | | | | visits and laboratory fees. |
| Check the companies' preexisting conditions clause for | | | | Without health insurance coverage, before the |
| more specifics. For instance if you take medication on | | | | exclusion takes effect, the medical costs can become |
| a daily basis for any condition such as thyroid, blood | | | | prohibitive for those caught in the middle. Those not |
| pressure or cholesterol, you have a preexisting | | | | qualifying for government programs, people working |
| condition. These examples are used since these are | | | | part-time jobs, the rising number of contract |
| the conditions for which most commonly prescribed | | | | employees who do not qualify for health coverage or |
| medications are given. More severe conditions such as | | | | those working where benefits are not offered are the |
| cancer, chronic kidney diseases and heart conditions | | | | hardest hit by these costs. Additionally, the high number |
| are more obvious and not specifically discussed in this | | | | of people that have lost or are losing jobs and finding |
| article. | | | | COBRA coverage too costly. These are the people |
| The exclusion of preexisting conditions goes into effect | | | | struggling to keep their homes, feed their family and |
| for children on September 23, 2010. The biggest | | | | pay the rising utility bills. |
| question then is at what age does this cover? Is it 18 | | | | There are affordable Individual Health Insurance Plans |
| as most people believe or is it 26 since this is in the | | | | and Family Health Insurance Plans available for those |
| same time line the inclusion of children under their | | | | without preexisting conditions. There are also Short |
| parents existing health insurance policy goes into | | | | Term Health Insurance Plans available for those who |
| effect? This needs to explored for a definitive answer. | | | | need temporary health insurance coverage until other |
| The rest of the population will be covered for | | | | policies are available in the work place or private |
| preexisting conditions in 2014 as the bill now stands. | | | | sector. Short-term health insurance plans are designed |
| There will be no waiting periods or exclusions for those | | | | to protect against unforeseen accidents or illnesses, |
| conditions that develop according to the legislation | | | | rather than to provide comprehensive coverage. Short |
| passed. If a child becomes ill prior to September 23, | | | | term health insurance plans do not include coverage |
| 2010, and they apply for coverage after that date, this | | | | for preventive care, physicals, immunizations, dental or |
| will be a salvation for the family because the | | | | vision care. Short term health insurance plans do not |
| out-of-pocket expense drops dramatically. If a child | | | | cover preexisting medical conditions. A last resort, low |
| develops a condition later and the parents lose their | | | | cost medical discount plans are also in the market |
| current coverage, future coverage cannot be denied | | | | place. Whatever you choose, it is important for you to |
| by another insurer. If an illness or accident requiring long | | | | read the plans carefully and asks questions about any |
| term care happens to a child between the ages of 18 | | | | part you do not understand. |
| and 26, are they going to be covered as well? This | | | | Please review the National Healthcare Bill, ask |
| point needs clarification. | | | | questions to ascertain the answers regarding |
| The largest portion of our society falls under the | | | | preexisting conditions. Everyone needs to know |
| exclusion of preexisting conditions until 2014. | | | | exactly what it means, when the exclusions go into |
| Unfortunately, this is the segment of the population | | | | effect and how they will impact you and your family. |