[quote=bearishgurl]
SK, I am FOR giving folks with pre-existing conditions the right to be covered. Prior to “Obamacare,” they didn’t HAVE that right. As you know, “pre-existing” conditions aren’t always the fault of the insured, or person seeking insurance. Sometimes it’s just bad luck, or the person (unknowingly) worked or lived in an area which exposed them to carcinogens. Or they became injured through no fault of their own.
It’s just that, for now, insurance companies are obligated to take this group if they apply. Currently, a carrier can set their premium in accordance with risk. When that ability “goes away” (in 2014), they will no longer be able to do so.
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I’m reasonably sure this is not correct. Between now and 2014, the previously uninsurable over 19 are not required to be insured by commercial medical insurance companies. If they meet certain requirements (among them, being unisured for 6 months or more) they can be insured by a temporary, government created and partially funded PCIP (Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan). Beyond 2013, I’m not sure there is any requirement that premiums cannot reflect higher risk. But until then, there is no requirement for them to be accepted into your insurance plan at any cost.
