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This Web site contains a compilation of more than a thousand consumer finance  columns written by Tony Novak from the 1980s through 2006, updated and reformatted for maximum usefulness today.  New material was added after 2010.

Content is the opinion of the author and does not represent the position of any other person or entity. Information is from sources believed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed.

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Pre-existing coverage under Value Health

originally posted: 11/22/2006  reposted: 2/18/2011 This post has not been recently reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date. If you notice an error or are in doubt, please send a new question by email or ask for an update. Email asktony@tonynovak.com.

Q: I looked-up the Value Health Insurance brochure at FreedomBenefits.net and have a couple of questions. If I take out a lower-level policy, (silver) can I move to a higher level at any point? If so, will the pre-existing condition policy count for the previous policy level, or does it start over? If I can't bump-up the policy can I apply for another policy level?

A: Your questions focus on what is the fastest, cheapest way to get insurance coverage for pre-exiting medical conditions. While most policies exclude these charges permanently, Value Health policies covers these costs after the policy has been in force for 12 months. Different level benefits are offered at a range of prices. You may upgrade from a lower priced policy to a higher policy at any time but you still must satisfy a full 12 month waiting period under the higher benefit level in order to qualify for the higher level of pre-existing medical coverage. It makes the most sense to select the highest level of benefit you want or can afford, and then leave the policy unchanged for 12 months in order to gain the coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

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Value Health

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