Depression is not a simple case of the "blues." In fact, depression can be a very serious illness that left untreated can have long-term effects on your health, both emotionally and physically. When you’re considering choices in health plans, it’s important to know if depression is covered as a pre-existing condition and under what terms.
When is depression a pre-existing condition?
In health insurance terms, depression is a pre-existing condition if you have seen a provider for it or been diagnosed with it during a specified period of time before you sign up for a new health plan. Like other pre-existing conditions, depression is often a long-term condition that may require on-going care and treatment. This long-term care may extend over the life of many health plans. Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted, health insurers could refuse you coverage for pre-existing conditions, including depression. Or, they could offer you coverage at much higher rates.
Can you be denied coverage for depression that’s pre-existing?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made it illegal for insurance companies to refuse you coverage for a pre-existing condition like depression, along with many other kinds of pre-existing conditions. This law applies to health plans that continue to follow ACA guidelines. ACA plans cannot charge you more or raise your rates just because you have been diagnosed, have received, or are currently receiving treatment for depression.
As the political landscape shifts, there could be new health plans made available that do not follow ACA standards. They may not offer coverage for pre-existing conditions such as depression. Make sure you understand all the details of any health plan before enrolling, especially how pre-existing conditions are covered.
