Document Type
Report
Publication Date
4-13-2005
Abstract
Although the majority of Americans with health insurance obtain coverage through their employers, many individuals must negotiate the nongroup insurance market alone. Insurers use a process called medical underwriting to identify applicants with current or recent medical problems. Because these applicants are likely to cost the insurer more in claims than a healthier person, insurers may charge them higher premiums or restrict or deny coverage. This background paper reviews the practice of underwriting, state and federal regulation of insurers offering nongroup health coverage, and several proposed options for improving access to coverage for applicants who are in poor health.
Recommended Citation
Merlis, Mark, "Fundamentals of Underwriting in the Nongroup Health Insurance Market: Access to Coverage and Options for Reform" (2005). National Health Policy Forum. Paper 138.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/sphhs_centers_nhpf/138
Open Access
yes
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Health Law and Policy Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, Health Services Research Commons