ACA Facts: Guaranteed Issue and Renewal

February 27, 2013

Guaranteed Issue and Guaranteed Renewal

Under the ACA, "guaranteed issue" requires insurers to sell a policy to any qualified applicant, meaning they must permit individuals to enroll, regardless of health status, medical history, age, gender, or any other factors that have bearing on the need for and use of health services.  "Guaranteed renewal" ensures that an individual will have the right to renew their policy as long as they have been paying their premiums.  Currently, only some states afford their residents this protection (please contact your State Department of Insurance to see if this protection applies to you).  But starting in 2014, these requirements will become effective in all states.