You shouldn't give up applying to insurance companies to access health insurance plans. There are companies who still offer health insurance to people with pre-eisting conditions like you, but they usually include a rider or eclusion for the first si months of your membership. This means that your medical epenses will be covered ecept for received medical services associated with your pre-eisting condition. You should prepare for higher insurance rates though if you're able to get an individual health plan. You can also access health insurance if you or your spouse is part of a Small Business plan. Group plans usually cover individuals with pre-eisting health conditions as insurers are mandated to do so. Keep in mind that although group rates appear to cost less than individual insurance rates, the premium might actually be higher for a group plan. This is because you're going to pay the average rate for all members of the group. Group coverage is usually good, but the premiums might not be very affordable. You can also try asking your state's department of insurance for state-sponsored health insurance programs that will accept individuals with pre-eisting medical conditions. Each state usually offers insurance for people in high risk-pools. The cost of health insurance for high risk individuals may not be cheap, but the coverage provided by these plans is good. You just have to make sure that you qualify for the risk-pool to be able to access health insurance sponsored by your state. - July 3, 2009 @ 2:38 pm