FROM THE FOUNDATION

End-of-Life Choices

Trends in end-of-life care show that not only does the care given vary widely from region to region and hospital to hospital, but also patients often don't get the care they prefer. What can be done?

Care Management Puzzle

Chronic diseases and the cost of care are rising. Are disease management programs improving outcomes for patients with complex, chronic conditions?

No Middleman

Under the "direct primary care" model, patients pay a monthly fee for basic medical services. Learn about the history and current landscape of physician practices offering this arrangement.

Insurance and Uninsured

Monday, April 30, 2012

GAO: Millions of U.S. Adults Have Pre-Existing Conditions

An estimated 36 million to 112 million U.S. adults have pre-existing conditions -- such as diabetes, hypertension and mental health disorders -- that could lead health insurers to deny coverage, according to a recent Government Accountability Office report. America's Health Insurance Plans downplayed the report, saying that the number of individuals with pre-existing conditions who are uninsured is low.

Reader Comments:
  • 1
  • 04/30/2012
  • Hatti Hamlin

The truth is that an insurer can find a "pre-existing" condition in anyone. I just applied for an individual policy. After filling out an exhaustive application and undergoing a grilling by a physician interviewer the insurer couldn't find a reason to deny me--but they could find a reason to increase the quoted rate by 10%. Why? Because three years ago I was in an auto accident and I underwent three months of physical therapy. No subsequent treatment or complaints. And, oh yeah, at 62 I had a couple of basal cell skin nodules removed in the past two years. (By my age, if you haven't had at least one skin cancer removed you've been living in a cave.) Life itself is a pre-existing condition--and it's gonna cost you!



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