10 Reasons You Could Be Denied For Health Insurance

A History Of Risky Behavior

Applicants with a history of medically risky behavior, such as smoking or drinking, may be denied health insurance. Smoking and drinking are not considered to be pre-existing conditions, and as such are not covered under the provision of Obamacare that prevents insurers from denying someone due to a pre-existing condition. An applicant with lung cancer as a result of smoking or cirrhosis from drinking cannot be denied based on their medical conditions, but they could be denied based on their behavior. Some health insurance advocates have made the case that people should not be denied for risky behaviors, but this is not currently the applicable law.

COBRA Coverage Can Be Denied For Termination

COBRA coverage refers to the continuation of health insurance benefits after an employee has been laid off from a job. Former employees who were fired or chose to quit are usually not eligible for COBRA. Someone applying for COBRA coverage after they have been terminated may see their application denied. However, there are exceptions. For instance, if the applicant has been wrongfully terminated, they could be able for COBRA coverage, but they will likely have to prove that the firing was wrongful in a court of law.