How are preexisting conditions handled under healthcare reform?
Guaranteed issue—requiring insurers to take all applicants, including people with preexisting conditions—will eventually apply to everyone. Effective immediately, preexisting condition exclusions are no longer allowed for children. For adults, the ban takes effect in 2014. Until then, individuals who have a preexisting condition and have been uninsured for 6 months may obtain coverage through either the new national risk pool or one in their state.
