Your ability to obtain health insurance may depend upon your health status.
However, you do have certain rights.
Most insurance is regulated at the state level but federal rules also apply.
Underwriting standards for individual health plans are tighter than ever, but if you understand your legal protection, you should certainly be able to obtain major medical.
However, even with current legal protection, I cannot promise that your monthly premium will be affordable, especially if you have current health problems.
If you leave your job, you may be able to keep your group health plan for several months.
This is COBRA coverage.
However, your monthly bill will probably increase because your company no longer needs to make contributions.
Many people are shocked by the bill when their previous employer stops making contributions.
If your employer extends group benefits, you cannot be excluded because of a pre-existing health condition.
This is called nondiscrimination.
That's why group plan premiums may be higher than individual premiums.
Many people don't realize that individual health insurance premiums may be less expensive than group premiums because they are not aware of their company's contribution.
Some states do not allow individual or group plans to turn down applicants because of health issues, or even to charge more.
However, most states do not offer this protection.
Groups with a less healthy population my be charged considerably more, and small groups may see a considerable increase if an employee or two has a serious health condition.
All states have some sort of high risk medical plan for individuals who do not have group health insurance, but cannot get accepted for individual plan because of health status.
In some states this is a high risk pool.
Applicants with pre-existing conditions may obtain health insurance, but the premiums may be high.
If you have a low or moderate household income, you may qualify for free or subsidized coverage.
Medicaid covers individuals with very low income and assets.
CHIPS covers children with moderate household incomes.
In addition, many counties offer health plans for moderate income individuals.
If you have had trouble obtaining health insurance, don't give up.
A good local health insurance agent should be able to advise you, even if you cannot qualify for a private plan.
You can also check with you state insurance department or county department of human services.
These government organizations exist to serve citizens.
Access to health insurance is not guaranteed in all situations, but with persistence, most individuals can obtain a health plan.
For details on your state's unique rights, consult the Georgetown University Health Insurance Consumer Guide at healthinsuranceinfo.
net.