Pre-Existing Conditions and Your Health Insurance

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May 15, 2019
In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) made it illegal for health insurance companies offering qualified health plans to deny medical coverage or raise rates due to a pre-existing condition. In April 2019, the Nevada State Legislature passed a bill to ensure that regardless of the ACA’s existing policy, all Nevadans with pre-existing conditions would still be protected throughout the state. When it comes to health insurance, the best health insurance plans in Nevada will offer comprehensive coverage.

What is a pre-existing condition?

  • A pre-existing condition is defined as a medical illness, health problem or injury you have received treatment or diagnosis for before you enrolled in a new health insurance plan.
  • Some examples of chronic illnesses are diabetes, many forms of cancer, lupus, epilepsy and depression.
  • Less severe conditions such as acne, asthma, anxiety and sleep apnea may also qualify.

Is pregnancy treated as a pre-existing condition?

  • If you were pregnant before you applied, your insurance plan cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of your pregnancy.
  • Once you’re enrolled, your pregnancy and childbirth are covered as soon as your plan begins.

Can I be denied coverage?

  • No. All health insurance plans offered through Nevada Health Link must cover treatment for pre-existing conditions.
  • Insurance companies cannot deny or refuse to cover treatment for your pre-existing condition or charge you higher rates because of a pre-existing condition. Health insurance companies in Nevada that offer Qualified Health Plans must over pre-existing conditions.
  • Marketplace plans also cannot put an annual or lifetime limit on your coverage.

Is there health insurance for my pre-existing conditions?

We get it, insurance coverage is not easy to understand. That’s why Nevada Health Link is here to provide the resources necessary to create a better understanding of healthcare coverage and how it affects you. To learn more or receive answers to additional questions that you may have, email Nevada Health Link at customerserviceNVHL@exchange.nv.gov.