GAO Report Finds Many Adults Have Pre-Existing Conditions –

On Thursday, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report that found as many 122 million adults in the U.S. suffer from a pre-existing health condition, which could result in a health insurer denying coverage, requiring higher-than-average premiums, or restricting coverage.  The report compared several recent studies that tried to determine how many U.S. adults have pre-existing conditions, based on the prevalence of certain common conditions.  Starting in 2014, the Health Care Reform Law prohibits insurers from denying coverage, increasing premiums or restricting benefits because of an existing or prior health problem.

In response to increased attention to pre-existing conditions and the individual market, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) posted information on their blog intended to provide a fact check on coverage for pre-existing conditions.  Specifically, the blog post notes that the vast majority of people under the age of 65 get their health care coverage through their employer, are guaranteed coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions, and the premiums they pay are not based on their health status.  Additionally, AHIP emphasizes that requiring plans to cover everyone is closely linked to the individual mandate, which the Supreme Court is currently reviewing.