Health Insurance That Covers Ulcerative Colitis

“To sum it up…”

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease
You cannot be denied health insurance coverage because you have ulcerative colitis or any other type of pre-existing medical condition
Most health insurance plans will cover ulcerative colitis because chronic disease management is an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act
If you have ulcerative colitis and cannot afford health insurance, consider applying for Medicaid or CHIP for your children

Ulcerative colitis is a bowel disease that affects the rectum and the colon. It is similar to Crohn’s disease.

Some people with ulcerative colitis will develop sores in their colon. The symptoms typically get worse if more of the colon is affected. Symptoms can include diarrhea, anal bleeding, pain in the stomach, and cramps. These symptoms are not always present. People usually experience bouts of remission and active flare-ups.

In order to diagnose ulcerative colitis, doctors usually do a physical exam, perform a colonoscopy, run some blood tests, and do a stool sample. If you have ulcerative colitis, it is important to enroll in an insurance plan that covers treatment. Our specialists can help you find the perfect medical insurance for all of your needs.

Your health matters, and we want to help ensure your well-being is always secured. Enter your zip code on our site to get free quotes from your state’s top-rated health insurance providers today.

Can I be denied health coverage for having ulcerative colitis?

Under the Affordable Care Act guidelines, insurance plans can no longer deny health coverage due to pre-existing conditions. Insurers also cannot charge you more for your condition. Once you are enrolled in the plan, you cannot be dropped because of a change in your health status and your rates cannot be raised based on your need for ulcerative colitis treatment.

The only plans that can still deny coverage or raise your rates based on a pre-existing condition are grandfathered plans. These are plans that went into effect prior to March 23, 2010.

If you are enrolled in a grandfathered health insurance plan, check your benefits summary. It is possible that your plan still covers your ulcerative colitis treatment, but it is not required to do so.

If your grandfathered health insurance plan does not cover your ulcerative colitis, you can purchase a new plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace during the open enrollment period. You will also qualify for a special enrollment period when your grandfathered plan ends.

What are the essential health benefits?

The Affordable Care Act requires medical insurance plans to cover 10 categories of essential health benefits.

Preventive services and chronic disease management are both considered essential health benefits so most insurance plans will cover treatment for ulcerative colitis.

Additionally, lab services, emergency care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs must be covered. The exact coverage listed under these categories may vary so it is important to check your benefits and find a plan that covers all of your medical needs.

What if I have ulcerative colitis and cannot afford health insurance?

If you have ulcerative colitis and live on a limited income, you should consider applying for Medicaid. If your child is diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and you cannot afford health insurance, you can also apply for the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program are required to cover all of the same essential health benefits as Marketplace plans, which can help cover your ulcerative colitis treatment. The exact list of benefits will vary depending on your state of residence.

You can apply for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program in one of two ways. You can either apply directly through your state’s Medicaid office or through the Marketplace.

If you choose to apply through the Marketplace, they will forward your information to your local Medicaid office if it looks like you qualify for coverage.

Health Insurance that Covers Ulcerative Colitis

The Affordable Care Act guidelines prohibit most insurance plans from denying coverage based on a pre-existing condition such as ulcerative colitis.

The ACA also requires the majority of insurance plans to cover a list of essential health benefits that include chronic disease management and lab services. These benefits help expand coverage for ulcerative colitis treatment.

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