Health Insurance for People with EpilepsyMillions of individuals are encountering the increasingly difficult task of obtaining adequate and affordable types of health insurance coverage. This task can be particularly challenging for those with certain pre-existing medical conditions such as epilepsy. Many insurance companies operate with the position that insuring epileptic victims would prove too costly due to the potentially substantial and frequent claims a person with epilepsy might make. However, while finding affordable rates may be difficult for those with epilepsy, it certainly is possible.
How Individual Medical Information Affects Health Insurance for People with EpilepsyScientific research has shown that numerous types of epilepsy exist, and each individual with epilepsy can have varying degrees of the severity and frequency of his or her symptoms. The type of epilepsy a person has, and the person’s own medical history can affect both the cost and extent of the insurance coverage that person would receive. While searching for a health insurance plan, an individual with epilepsy should consider submitting a detailed account of his or her own personal medical history with epilepsy. If certified by a doctor, this personal history could open up opportunities for saving money on insurance policies, especially if the seizures have been controlled through medication. Also, when selecting a health insurance plan, a person with epilepsy should consider the particular treatments or tests he or she receives (EEGs, MRIs, etc.) and make sure that any insurance company in consideration would cover those particular procedures. Often, someone with epilepsy can gain insurance coverage for a specific test or treatment if documented evidence of the necessity of the procedure is provided for the insurance company.
Types of Health Insurance available for People with EpilepsyThe types of health insurance options for people with epilepsy are varied. If the person qualifies, Medicare and Medicaid can provide government assisted insurance. Of course, individual insurance plans are available through private insurance companies, but that could prove to be the most expensive option. The best choice available, both economically and in extent and ease of coverage, would be group benefits available through employers. Employers’ insurance benefits would vary from company to company, so it is crucial for a person with epilepsy to find out the amount of coverage he or she would receive through a particular employer. In certain cases, a company can refuse to underwrite (approve) an insurance policy based on the specific factors involved. If this happens, a good option would be seek the services of a local insurance broker who is familiar with underwriting policies and rules regarding eligibility for coverage.
Health Insurance for People with Epilepsy: Federal and State LawsOver the years, Federal and State legislation has had an increasing impact on regulating how insurance companies deal with people who have pre-existing conditions such as epilepsy. In 1986, The Comprehensive Omnibus Benefits Reform Act (COBRA) was passed. This federal statute can help someone keep health insurance coverage if he or she has had to discontinue a group insurance policy. COBRA coverage is available for purchase for a full 18 months, and an extension to the 18-month period may be granted in special circumstances. In 1996, The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act was passed. This legislation sets a limit on the length that insurance companies can deny coverage to a person with a pre-existing condition to 12 months. Also, HIPAA can restrict insurance companies from charging a different premium amount based on a person’s specific medical conditions. In some cases though, if the medical data is substantial enough, insurance companies may still limit or deny coverage entirely for certain treatments or conditions. Along with the Federal Government, many states have also increased their efforts to contain insurance discrimination. Specific legislation would vary from state to state, but in general, much has been accomplished to prohibit the discrimination of insurance companies according to pre-existing conditions such as epilepsy. Also, depending on the state, government-provided options may exist for people who have pre-existing conditions and are ineligible for private insurance coverage. For more specific information regarding a particular state’s insurance policies, one should contact the state’s insurance commission. Enter your zip code at the top of this page and receive FREE health insurance comparison quotes.
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