subject: Texas Health Insurance - Laws And Policies That Protect The Consumer [print this page] There are many misgivings about health insurance. It is very helpful when medical emergencies happen. It helps keep you happy by making preventative care affordable. However, health insurance itself is protected by various federal and state laws. In Texas, health insurance is protected by laws that the state itself regulates. This does not mean that only state-provided health insurance is covered by these laws. It simply means that any health insurance licensed in the state of Texas is covered by these laws.
Every health insurance company in Texas must limit their exclusion policy for pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is a condition that you've had prior to signing up for health insurance. Usually this exclusion lasts anywhere from 3 to 12 months. In Texas, health insurance companies are limited by law as to how long they can wait before they begin to cover these pre-existing conditions. There are even laws about what is considered a pre-existing condition. In most cases, Texas is merciful, in that your old health insurance policy counts towards the pre-existing condition exclusion period. However, if you have been without coverage for a while in between finding plans, this law may not apply to you.
Your health insurance company cannot cancel your policy just because you get sick. It sounds unethical, but it happens. If you find yourself with a serious illness, you'll use your health insurance a lot. The costs of your treatment and therapy rack up. Some health insurance companies will want to drop you as a policy holder simply because they don't want to pay your bills. In other words you cost too much. They see you as a liability. This is not allowed in Texas. Health insurance must remain in effect for as long as you're alive and you keep your payments up to date. This is called guaranteed renewal. This applies no matter how sick you get.
Texas health insurance laws even protect those who are underinsured. For example, if you feel you're at risk for any type of cancer, you may be eligible for screening. If it is discovered that you have cancer, you may also be eligible for treatment as well. Texas provides a control program that focuses on breast and cervical cancer. However, any type of cancer can be screened through this group. Free treatment is only available for those who qualify.
As always we suggest visiting with a qualified broker to discuss your needs.
by: Charles Peeler
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