Chronic diseases can make it very difficult and expensive for people to find good quality, affordable health insurance coverage. Health insurance quotes tend to become very expensive when you list that you suffer from a chronic illness. The new health care reform bill addresses many of the problems that have traditionally barred preexisting conditions from being insured, but it will not be fully in effect for a couple of years. Until the health care bill is completely enacted, those hurdles will remain in place. However, there are some ways for people with chronic diseases to find health insurance on their own.

Job-Based Health Insurance Options

The easiest way to gain health care coverage for a chronic condition is through an employer's insurance plan. The employer is required to offer you the same amount of coverage that is offered to all of the other employees, regardless of your medical history. The insurance company is allowed to require a certain amount of time before they begin covering your medical treatment, however. There is usually a 60 day waiting period before the insurance will begin to pay for medical claims if you have a chronic illness. Once the waiting period is over, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of being fully covered by health insurance.

Legally Mandated Coverage

Most states require that at least one insurance company within the state has to accept chronically ill people for health insurance coverage. The state mandates vary, but they are put in place so that chronically ill individuals will be able to find some sort of insurance to cover their medical needs. You may need to apply to several different insurance companies before you find one that will accept you if you suffer from a disease that requires constant monitoring from a health professional. You will eventually be able to find health insurance quotes from a company that can help you, though.

Negotiate With the Insurance Company

If you need to purchase your own insurance and you have been diagnosed with a chronic disease such as asthma or diabetes, you may need to do a little more negotiating with the insurance company before they accept you. Most insurance companies automatically turn down individuals who list chronic diseases on their applications. They can be persuaded to accept you if you can prove that you are managing your condition and do not require extensive medical attention all of the time. Call the health insurance company and tell them how you control your medical condition on your own. If you can show that they will not need to pay multiple claims due to your condition, they will be more interested in taking you on as a customer.