Rejected for Insurance

If you’ve been denied health insurance due to a disability, medical condition, or pregnancy, you have rights and options now--and you’ll have more by 2014. Learn more here.

• What can I do if I was rejected because of a pre-existing condition or disability?
• What can I do if I was rejected because I’m pregnant?

What can I do if I was rejected because of a pre-existing condition or disability?

• In most states, you could be turned down, charged higher premiums, or have certain benefits excluded if you have an existing health condition, including a disability. In some states, however, insurers aren’t allowed to turn you down because of your medical condition. This is called “guaranteed issue.” Contact your State Department of Insurance to see if this protection applies to you.
• Under the Affordable Care Act, this has changed.  New individual plans (and all job-based plans) can no longer deny or exclude coverage for children because of a pre-existing condition, including a disability.
• Starting in 2014, these same plans won’t be allowed to deny coverage or charge more to anyone because of a pre-existing condition, including a disability.
• If you have a pre-existing condition and have been uninsured for at least six months, you may be eligible for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan created under the Affordable Care Act. Learn more about this option.
• You also may be able to get coverage through one of the options under “What are my options for non-job-based coverage?”
• For more resources and, in some states, phone and email assistance:  Use our Consumer Assistance Program map to find help in your state.

What can I do if I was rejected because I am pregnant?

In most states, you will be turned down if you apply for individual health insurance when you’re pregnant. Under the Affordable Care Act, this will change. Starting in 2014, new individual plans and all job-based plans won’t be allowed to turn anybody down or charge them a higher premium because of pregnancy or other health conditions.

In the meantime, your state has special programs that may provide coverage for you and your baby. Depending on your state, you may have these other options for health insurance:

• Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program
• State high risk pools/Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans

Use our coverage and insurance finder to learn about how these options apply to you.

For more resources and, in some states, phone and email assistance:  Use our map to find assistance in your state.