As of 2014, this part of the health care reform law also applies to people 19 and older. This means health insurers cannot refuse to cover you or renew your plan because you have (or had) cancer, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis or another health problem. If you have a condition, you can still get health coverage.

A pre-existing condition is a health problem found or treated before you signed up for coverage. This applies whether you were covered under a different plan or had no coverage at all.

What's different?

In the past, health insurers could limit or deny benefits or coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

What's different now?

Health insurers cannot deny, limit or leave out coverage of certain conditions because of a health problem you had before applying for a plan.

How it impacts you

When does this provision start?

It has already started.This applies for those younger than 19 and, as of 2014, for those 19 and older.

What can I do if my plan tries to deny coverage because of a pre-existing condition?

What if I have a pre-existing condition and need coverage right now?

The PCIP plan covers a wide range of benefits, such as hospital care, prescription drugs and primary care. It doesn't charge more in premium because of your medical condition. Depending on where you live, you can sign up for a state or federal program.