Psoriasis

A common type of skin condition which plagues a large group of individuals each year is that of psoriasis. This medical condition varies in severity yet often tends to persist for quite a while. You may find that the condition of psoriasis is inquired about when you or a family member applies with a new insurance company to obtain health insurance. If an applicant has a pre-existing condition of psoriasis, it may be that the insurance company inquires in more detail about such a condition when trying to make a decision as to whether they should insure the individual and to what extent. To prepare yourself for such questions, take a look at the following:

• Symptoms and treatments of psoriasis
• Facing challenges when searching for insurance
• Health coverage solutions for people with psoriasis

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is the name for the skin condition where skin cells grow at an escalated rate and presents a chronic problem for individuals in the way of discolored patches of skin. Those who suffer from psoriasis may experience a variety of symptoms such as inflammation, itching and may possibly lead to psoriatic arthritis which results in joint swelling and pain. These symptoms are ones which may come and go as well as range in severity from individual to individual. The usual methods for treating psoriasis include the use of skin products, medications and ultraviolet light treatments. Routine doctor's office visits are often recommended to monitor and control outbreaks from the psoriasis.

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Problems Getting Insurance Coverage with Pre-Existing Psoriasis

Although psoriasis may not be seen as much of a serious type of problem as other pre-existing medical conditions, it is still one which some insurance companies take a second glance at when reviewing one's application for health insurance. Since psoriasis is a persistent problem for many individuals who have been diagnosed with it, the insurance company may feel that paying out numerous claims related to such a disorder might not be worth the risk. Even though insurance companies will not always deny coverage to those with pre-existing psoriasis, it is still an issue which raises some eyebrows.

Insurance Options for Those with Pre-Existing Psoriasis

There are a few different insurance options for you and your family if pre-existing psoriasis is an issue. The first is to shop around for insurers who will still provide insurance coverage to those with psoriasis without requiring the individual to undergo a waiting period or pay a higher annual premium. The second option is to switch from your prior insurer to an established group health plan and use the federal law of HIPAA to protect your interest with regard to the pre-existing condition. HIPAA, known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, requires new group health insurance plan providers to waive the pre-existing condition waiting period for those who have had creditable insurance coverage for the past 12 months. Lastly, you may still be able to obtain insurance from an individual insurance company in spite of the psoriasis yet be amenable to paying a higher rate for coverage.

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