How can I get health insurance with pre-existing conditions…?

Plan Benefits
1

Hello everyone,

I’m a 28-year-old male, and I’ve been diagnosed with Celiac disease and Crohn’s disease over the past two decades. I recently went back to school, and as a result, I had to leave my full-time job for a part-time position that doesn’t offer health insurance. It’s been over two years since I’ve seen a doctor, and my symptoms have been really bad lately. I really need to get re-established with a GI doctor.

Every time I apply for public or private insurance, I get rejected, and they always say it’s because of my pre-existing conditions. I’m willing to pay $250-300+ per month if needed, but I just need some insurance. What can I do?

2

ACA plans can’t deny you for pre-existing conditions. You’re probably applying for other types of plans. Just a heads up, you might end up paying more than $250.

https://www.healthcare.gov/

3

Any ACA plan cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. You mentioned going back to school—what’s your monthly income now that you’re working part-time? Also, what state are you in? Depending on your income, Medicaid could be an option, especially if you live in a state with Medicaid expansion. Otherwise, check out healthcare.gov starting November 1 for coverage starting in January.

4

You need to apply during Open Enrollment, which starts in November for coverage beginning January 2025. During this time, pre-existing conditions won’t affect your eligibility. It sounds like you’re being denied because you’re applying outside of Open Enrollment without a qualifying event. Your premium will depend on your income, so check your state’s official marketplace for accurate estimates. Medicaid might also be an option based on your income and location.

5

Pre-existing conditions haven’t been a problem since the ACA passed. Open Enrollment starts on November 1. It sounds like the plans you’re looking at aren’t ACA-compliant.

6

Have you checked if you qualify for Medicaid? A lot of students with part-time jobs qualify for it.

7

Since Obamacare, you can’t be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions.

https://www.hhs.gov/answers/health-insurance-reform/can-i-get-coverage-if-i-have-a-pre-existing-condition/index.html

8

Lennon said:
Since Obamacare, you can’t be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions.

https://www.hhs.gov/answers/health-insurance-reform/can-i-get-coverage-if-i-have-a-pre-existing-condition/index.html

That’s correct—any plan through the ACA or an employer can’t deny you, but you need to apply during specific times like Open Enrollment or when starting a new job. Non-ACA plans can deny you, which is why they’re often called junk plans.

9

The ACA prevents insurance companies from denying you because of pre-existing conditions. Check out what options your state offers.

10

If your state has Medicaid expansion, you might qualify for an ACA subsidy. Even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid, it’s worth applying before Open Enrollment.

11

If you’re working part-time, you may only qualify for Medicaid. Is there a reason you’re trying to avoid Medicaid?

12

If Medicaid or ACA isn’t an option, check if your school offers health insurance. Many schools automatically charge for coverage unless you opt out.

13

14

Finnian said:

Soliciting for clients will get you banned. Don’t try to get clients or refer people to brokers here.

15

I understand how tough this can be. Keep looking! There are programs out there that can help you get covered, and you might qualify for state programs or Medicaid.