Why is there a six-month waiting period before pre-existing medical conditions are covered?
Like traditional, commercial individual health insurance plans, a limitation on pre-existing conditions reduces premium rates and helps make an insurance program financially stable for its members. The AccessTN Board of Directors determined that not having a pre-existing condition waiting period made premiums too expensive and decided on a six-month waiting period. However, AccessTN will pay a 50 percent benefit for treatment of pre-existing conditions, rather than exclude coverage altogether. Outpatient drug coverage is available from the first day that is not subject to either the pre-existing conditions limitation or the plan deductible. The AccessTN Board approved this to help participants afford medications for chronic conditions and chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Related Questions
- I already have medical insurance - if I change to a new insurer will I have to start the waiting period again for pre-existing conditions to be covered?
- Why is there a six-month waiting period before pre-existing medical conditions are treated the same as other medical conditions?
- Is there a waiting period before benefits will be paid on pre-existing medical conditions?
