"Today, as many as 129 million -- or 1 in 2-non-elderly Americans -- have some type of pre-existing health condition, ranging from life-threatening illnesses like cancer to chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. In most states, these consumers can be denied individual health insurance coverage, charged significantly higher rates, or have benefits for medical conditions excluded by insurance companies. In addition, individuals and small employers often find that they have few protections against premiums increases. To address these problems starting in 2014, CMS [has] issued a final rule that contains: Guaranteed Availability of Coverage; Fair Health Insurance Premiums; Single Risk Pool; Guaranteed Renewability of Coverage; Catastrophic Plans; [and] Updating Rate Review[.]"  MORE >>