This Giving Tuesday, help ensure voters have the information they need to make confident, informed decisions. Donate now!
Guaranteed issue
This article does not receive scheduled updates. If you would like to help our coverage grow, consider donating to Ballotpedia. Contact our team to suggest an update.
| Healthcare policy in the U.S. |
|---|
| Obamacare overview |
| Obamacare lawsuits |
| Medicare and Medicaid |
| Healthcare statistics |
Guaranteed issue refers to the requirement that health plans offer coverage to individuals or groups regardless of health status. The Affordable Care Act mandated that all major medical insurance policies be sold guaranteed issue.[1]
Overview
A health plan that is guaranteed issue is sold without consideration for health, age, gender, or other factors, meaning insurance companies cannot deny coverage to qualified individuals. Guaranteed issue does not, however, restrict the amount one must pay for health insurance, as insurers may take certain factors such as age into consideration. As of 2014, all major medical insurance was required to be guaranteed issue. Supplemental coverage was exempt from this requirement.[1][2]
Guaranteed issue does not require a company to offer their insurance plan at all times. Companies may still have specific open enrollment or special enrollment periods, but may not deny coverage to any qualified citizens who apply during that period.[2]
See also
External links
Footnotes