Pre-eisting condition is one of the hurdles in getting affordable medical insurance. In fact, if you have a chronic illness, chances are your plan will cost much higher than any regular plan. However, many states now offer high-risk pool programs wherein individuals can get affordable medical insurance. Selected states have established high-risk pools. A high-risk pool offers a comprehensive health plan similar to the ones offered by private insurance carriers at low cost. Some state governments even offer disease-specific plans. You still have to pay deductibles, co-insurance and out-of-pocket epenses for any plan offered to individuals qualified in the high-risk pool. However, when you qualify for the high-risk pool, there is still a 6-12 months pre-eisting eclusion period. It is your waiting period before the pool pays the claims for your health care epenses. Maybe you should not give up on private health care plans. Some insurance carriers offer affordable medical insurance plans with fleible payment schemes. There are individual plans that cover epilepsy. Ask an insurance agent if there is anything for you. It is better than not having any health insurance at all. If all else fails, you can always go to your state government and insurance department to help you find an affordable medical insurance plan. Maybe your local resources can help ease your financial burden. Check if there is any doctor in your area who offers services for patients with epilepsy at a reduced rate. - June 29, 2009 @ 1:39pm