Osteoarthritis

The role of pre-existing conditions when trying to obtain health insurance is one which causes individuals some concern. There are a variety of pre-existing conditions which health insurance companies compile in a list and aid them in putting new insured individuals in a separate category from other healthy insurance applicants. One of these pre-existing conditions is osteoarthritis.

For those of you who suffer from this type of medical condition, it is helpful to know that although this may be lumped within the pre-existing category by the insurance company if present at the time of the application process, there are ways to still obtain health insurance. Looking for more information? Take a look at the following:

• Defining osteoarthritis
• Prevent osteoarthritis
• Obstacles you may encounter when looking for insurance
• Health coverage options for people with osteoarthritis

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is known as degenerative arthritis and can occur in individuals of a variety of ages, although older individuals usually experience this type of arthritis more frequently than those who are in the younger age groups. Many individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis may also have osteoarthritis as well. Those with osteoarthritis suffer from ongoing inflammation and the breakdown of cartilage. This type of arthritis is often painful and debilitating in many ways for the individual who suffers from such a condition.

Problems Getting Health Insurance for Those Who Suffer from Pre-Existing Osteoarthritis

Pre-existing conditions may sometimes make it difficult for individuals searching to obtain new health insurance policies to get one right away and without any delay. Osteoarthritis is a medical condition which many insurers name as being exempt from immediate coverage for new insureds. The insurance company may make the individual wait for 12 months before they start paying for doctor's bills and treatment relative to the condition of osteoarthritis. As treatments are often frequent when it comes to this type of condition, the insurance company may be reluctant to take on a new insurance customer who already suffers from osteoarthritis.

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Insurance Options Available to Those With Osteoarthritis

Although insurance companies may state that those with pre-existing osteoarthritis conditions may not be eligible for certain benefits right away, there are ways to still have your osteoarthritis treatments covered. If you are leaving your current job and giving up the group health plan with that particular employer, so long as you are joining a group health plan with a new employer you may be able to have your pre-existing condition covered right away under HIPAA. HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law which acts as a safeguard for those switching group plans and experiencing pre-existing medical conditions. COBRA is another option for individuals with pre-existing conditions who are leaving their current group health plan and provides interim coverage for the individual.

For those of you who are going with a private health insurance carrier, you may still be able to obtain coverage for the pre-existing osteoarthritis right away yet have to pay a higher insurance premium in order to do so. As a last resort, high risk insurance pools provided by your state may also be an option if you cannot obtain insurance via other means.

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