inal answer:
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) prohibits insurers from denying coverage or claims for pre-existing conditions after coverage has been effective. The specific duration may vary, but under ACA, coverage should start immediately from the effective date without a waiting period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare, was a significant overhaul in U.S. healthcare policy. One of its key provisions ensures that individuals with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied health insurance coverage. Historically, those with pre-existing medical conditions faced higher premiums or outright denial of coverage.
It's important to clarify that the specific duration after which a policy may not deny a claim due to a pre-existing condition is not universal and can vary depending on the insurance provider or policy. However, under the ACA, waiting periods for coverage of a pre-existing condition were generally eliminated, meaning coverage should start immediately from the effective date.