I read thru the posts, and the health care highlights when it passed, appears to me (and maybe I've got it wrong) that in 2014 (can't remember if Jan. or July) they can no longer deny adults for pre-existing conditions (not sure if you need to have had continuous coverage) and put a cap on premiums - something like twice or three times as much as they charge the customer with the lowest premium.
I'm currently on COBRA from office closing in Dec. 2009 and will be looking for a private policy as of July, 2011. Won't be 65 until Oct. 2014. Makes me almost afraid to go to doctor for my yearly physical in case they detect high blood pressure or high cholesterol or something.
When I had a private policy about 10 years ago, they excluded a pre-existing condition for 2 years, but it was a minor, although chronic, condition. I know others who have histories of breast cancer who do have inclusive policies, but it is VERY expensive coverage (over $1,000/mo) and may also be high deductible policies. Not sure how long they had to be cancer free - 5 years? - and maybe it gets reviewed for type of cancer, prognosis, etc. Don't know if they had to get current cancer-free physicals or not.
Now you can see why we needed health care reform, and although it's certainly not perfect, at least it's a start (at least IMO).
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