What Pre-Existing Conditions Are Usually Denied by Health Insurance Companies?

Private health insurance in the United States is expensive to begin with, but if you suffer from a pre-existing condition, it may seem nearly impossible to find coverage. Private insurance companies can deny you coverage or charge you more for coverage if you are deemed a "high risk," so many citizens who need health care end up falling between the cracks. Additionally, pre-existing conditions span all races, ethnic groups and income levels. According to the Families USA Foundation, as of May 2010, 57.2 million Americans have pre-existing conditions that may lead to difficulties obtaining adequate insurance.

Most Prevalent Pre-Existing Conditions

• According to a Families USA Foundation study conducted in 2007, the most prevalent health conditions that are denied by health insurance companies are obesity, psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Of all the diagnosed or treated pre-existing conditions in 2007, psychotic disorders were the most prevalent --- a group that included 22.2 million people. At a close second was obesity, with 20 million diagnosed or treated cases.

Other Prevalent Pre-Existing Conditions

• In order of prevalence, the Families USA Foundation study reported coronary artery disease (6.5 million people), cancer (4 million), rheumatoid arthritis (2 million), ascites (1.8 million), Still's disease (2 million) and alcohol/drug abuse (1.5 million) as other examples of commonly denied pre-existing conditions. Other well-known pre-existing conditions include HIV, Alzheimer's disease, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, cerebral palsy, hemophilia and various types of organ failure.

Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions

• The Affordable Health Care Act of March 2010 offers a Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan that prevents discrimination based on pre-existing conditions. The PCIP provides affordable coverage for people with pre-existing conditions who haven't had insurance in the past six months. Because this plan is state-administered, you'll need to check your state's individual policies (see Resources) for more information on applying.