Final answer:
A previous injury, disease, or physical condition that existed before a health insurance policy was issued is known as a preexisting condition, which often results in higher insurance rates or denial of coverage.
Step-by-step explanation:
A previous injury, disease, or physical condition that existed before the health insurance policy was issued is called a preexisting condition. Insurance companies have oftentimes considered individuals with preexisting conditions to be high risk. In such cases, insurance companies may charge higher rates or deny coverage altogether.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) sought to address this issue among others, in an attempt to reduce the number of uninsured Americans which, before the ACA, numbered over 32 million. The high costs of healthcare and the use of emergency rooms by uninsured individuals contribute significantly to the overall rising costs of healthcare in the United States.
A previous injury, disease, or physical condition that existed before the health insurance policy was issued is called a preexisting condition. Insurance companies may use preexisting conditions to determine if an individual is high risk and may charge higher prices or deny coverage to those with preexisting conditions.
Prior to the ACA, more than 32 million Americans were uninsured, and the use of emergency rooms for treatment by uninsured individuals has contributed to rising healthcare costs.