The American Health Care Act (AHCA), aka “Trumpcare,” just passed the House of Representatives in hopes of repealing and replacing Obamacare. What is the controversy over pre-existing conditions? What is considered a pre-existing condition? And will you have to pay more for your plan if you have one?
The greatest controversial concern of the new bill is the potential loss of protection against pre-existing conditions, one of the pillars of the ACA.
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What is a pre-existing condition? Well, any health condition that a doctor has previously diagnosed you with prior to your health plan taking effect is considered “preexisting.” This could mean essentially anything, from a simple cold to an active cancer. Prior to Obamacare, it was common practice for insurance companies to refuse coverage for a person with certain preexisting conditions. And for other diagnoses deemed less costly, they may decide to cover you but to charge you more.
Currently under Obamacare, insurance plans cannot refuse coverage or charge you more if you have a prior health condition, aka a "pre-existing condition."
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