Selecting the right insurance plan is always important, but especially so for those dealing with chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. since the costs of managing and treating these chronic conditions can become astronomical without proper insurance.
Our health insurance experts at McKnight & McKnight are here to help you navigate through the process of how to choose health insurance for chronic conditions. Let’s take a look…
Chronic Conditions and Health Care
For those living with long-term illnesses, health insurance is a constant dilemma of what is and isn’t covered. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that was passed in 2010, those with chronic conditions are more broadly covered as it prevents insurers from barring coverage or charging higher rates to those suffering from preexisting conditions.
With that said, finding the right health care plan to cover the care of chronic illness can be a daunting challenge. Fortunately, our experts at McKnight & McKnight Insurance Solutions are here to help make the right decision based on your unique health situation.
Here are some critical things to know when choosing the right plan for you if you have a chronic condition:
How Can Health Insurance Help Pay for Treatment of My Chronic Condition?
After the ACA was passed, it was ensured that ALL healthcare plans on the individual market must cover a range of health benefits, including many that are required to manage a chronic condition.
Related Reading: What is the Affordable Care Act?
Most healthcare plans cover the following:
Doctor Visits
Doctor visits are considered essential care and cover any trips to the doctor. Insurance plans cover annual physicals, but they can also help with medical costs for additional doctor or specialist visits while treating a chronic condition.
Lab Tests
Routine lab tests can be necessary for monitoring some chronic conditions, and health insurance can help cover these costs.
Prescription Drugs
Most health insurance plans can help offset prescription drug costs, though this will vary by plan.
Preventative Care
All health insurance plans are required to cover a range of preventative care services without charging a copay or coinsurance fee. (Eligibility for some services depends on age.)
Examples of preventative care include:
- Hypertension screening
- Cholesterol screening
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Depression screening
- Type 2 Diabetes screening
- Lung cancer screening
McKnight & McKnight Insurance saves you time while finding the best fit for your chronic illness health care needs and budget for monthly premiums. There’s no obligation – call our 5-star team today and learn your coverage options in minutes!
Behavioral Health Services
These services cover any mental health, psychiatric, counseling, or addiction treatments that can be done by counselors, psychiatrists, or physicians.
Rehabilitation Services
These services include both physical or occupational therapies. Any kind of rehabilitation service is considered an essential benefit.
Hospital Care or Stays
Many of those suffering from a chronic health condition may need to stay overnight in a hospital from time to time, which varies in cost. Hospital care is considered an essential health benefit, so insurance plans must cover hospital care and stays.
Self-Management Programs
Self-management programs were designed to teach those suffering from chronic conditions how to manage their health and lead more active lives. Chronic disease management can help patients understand how to communicate with their family and healthcare professionals, while also giving them the tools to address the physical and psychological effects of living with a chronic disease.
Leaning on organizations that support those with chronic illnesses, friends, and family members is vital to help individuals navigate chronic diseases. We’re here to help too!
Is There a Limit to How Much is Covered for my Chronic Illness?
Under the ACA, health insurers cannot set caps on how much coverage a person with a chronic or preexisting condition is granted over a year or a lifetime. If you pay for it in your insurance plan, it will be covered.
When signing up for a qualifying health insurance plan, there are no limits to the number of doctor’s visits or treatment that you can receive.
What Type of Insurance Plan Should I Pick?
While most health insurance plans will cover essential benefits, it is up to each state to determine what exactly the plan will cover. It is KEY to understand your state’s laws and how they apply to your chronic condition.
When it comes to deductibles, those who are managing chronic illnesses need to be more aware of what the out-of-pocket costs are to cover their treatment.
A lower deductible plan with higher monthly premiums can help make healthcare costs more predictable for people dealing with chronic conditions. Usually, those suffering from chronic conditions meet their deductible each year. Insurance plans with a lower deductible will help save money in the long term.
Need help figuring out which plan will best cover your chronic condition? Our expert insurance agents are here to help! Call McKnight & McKnight for an insurance consultation today!
Related Reading: Understanding Premium, Deductible, and Out of Pocket Costs
Will My Insurance Plan Cover Prescriptions?
Prescription coverage varies greatly across different plans, so it is imperative to research different plans and providers to find one that will help offset prescription drug costs for your specific condition. Some plans will have a separate deductible for prescriptions, while others might only cover generic drugs.
For those on Medicare or Medicaid, a Part D Prescription drug plan can help reduce the costs of prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions.
Have a Medicare or Medicaid plan and wondering if a Part D plan might benefit you? Contact McKnight & McKnight Insurance Solutions to speak with a licensed insurance agent today!
Chronic Illness Health Insurance Coverage
While there are many things to consider when choosing a health insurance plan to cover treatment for a chronic condition, McKnight & McKnight Insurance Solutions are here to help guide you along the way. From cost to coverage, we will help find the right plan that will cover all of your medical needs, without the extra financial burden.
We offer complimentary quotes and policy reviews and are ready to help you make one of the most important decisions in managing your chronic condition. Fill out our quick and easy online questionnaire, email us at info@mcknight-insurance.com, or call us at (866) 525-0368 today!
