What is a pre-existing condition, as defined under HIPAA?
A pre-existing condition is anything for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within six months before the effective start date of enrollment in a group healthcare plan. Under the law, group health plans may not impose an exclusionary wait period for pre-existing conditions longer than 12 months (or 18 months for late enrollees). *This is not applicable to individual health insurance policies.
