Study: AHCA waivers could affect 6.3 million adults with pre-existing conditions

An estimated 6.3 million adults in 2015 had a pre-existing condition and gap in health coverage that could make them subject to medical underwriting under the American Health Care Act, according to a study released today by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The House-passed legislation, which the AHA does not support, would allow states to waive the health status component of community rating in the individual market. Insurers in states with a waiver could vary premiums by health status for enrollees with a coverage gap of at least 63 consecutive days in the past year. This “continuous coverage” penalty would be in effect for one year, after which the individual would be eligible for a community-rated premium unrelated to their health.