Guaranteed issue

Guaranteed issue is a term used in health insurance to describe a situation where a policy is offered to any eligible applicant without regard to health status. This is often mandated by law to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Overview

Guaranteed issue laws require insurance companies to offer policies to all individuals, regardless of their health status or other factors. This is often used in conjunction with community rating laws, which prevent insurers from charging higher premiums based on health status or other factors.

United States

In the United States, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) implemented a guaranteed issue requirement. This means that health insurance companies must sell health plans to all applicants, regardless of their health status or other factors.

Canada

In Canada, guaranteed issue policies are often offered to individuals who have been denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. These policies often have higher premiums and may have limitations on coverage.

See also

• Health insurance in the United States
• Health insurance in Canada
• Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
• Community rating
• Pre-existing condition