Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects bones, making them weak and easily broken. As many as 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men over the age of 50 develop osteoporosis and break a bone as a result. Osteoporosis has no symptoms and most people do not find out they have it until they break a bone or get a bone density test at the doctor.

If you suffer from this condition, read the following sections of this article to learn about how it affects your health coverage:

• Osteoporosis treatments
• How to prevent osteoporosis
• Dealing with difficulties in obtaining coverage
• Health insurance options for people with osteoporosis

Treating Osteoporosis

Treatment for osteoporosis includes basic lifestyle improvements that emphasize regular exercise, avoiding firsthand and secondhand smoke, and moderate alcohol intake. A diet rich in both calcium, which strengthens bones and vitamin D, which promotes calcium absorption. Medications like bisphosphonates, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and raloxifene are often prescribed. Most hinder the development of osteoclasts, which break down bone, but teriparatide stimulates new bone growth.

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Are There Any Preventative Measures Which May Prevent Osteoporosis?

Many risk factors for osteoporosis cannot be helped including increasing age, race, genetic predisposition, and gender. Being small and thin or having osteopenia or low bone mass can contribute to the onset of osteoporosis as well.

Some factors you can control include avoiding smoke and excessive alcohol intake and increasing regular weight-bearing exercises. Vitamin D daily intake should be at least 200 IUs until the age of 50 when it should increase to 400 IUs daily and again increase by 200 IUs after the age of 70. Adults should get at least 1000 mg of calcium until the age of 50 and then 1200 mg thereafter.

Getting a Bone Mineral Density test (BMD) is the only way to know whether or not you have osteoporosis and to find out if you are at risk for a bone fracture. Early diagnosis is the best way to get osteoporosis under control quickly.

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How Might Osteoporosis Affect My Ability to Get Health Insurance?

Osteoporosis, if diagnosed and treated in the six months prior to application for new health insurance, may be deemed a preexisting condition. This may mean that osteoporosis-related medical expenses will not be covered under your new insurance for a waiting period that may be three, six or 12 months long.

What Insurance Options Are Available to Those Who Have Osteoporosis?

If your osteoporosis is severe enough that you cannot work, you may be eligible for disability coverage through your employer and high-risk pools that most states make available to those who cannot afford enough health insurance to pay their bills.

Click here to request a health insurance quote!

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