North Dakota Health Insurance Regulations

In the state of North Dakota, 88.8% of the over 600,000 residents there have medical insurance . It is very important to carry health insurance as there is a direct correlation between having good health and carrying medical insurance, as well as the peace of mind that comes with good medical insurance coverage . However, choosing the right health plan is not an easy thing to do. BestHealthcareRates.com can help you with that.

Before you begin, take the time to analyze your family's actual healthcare needs, as well as your budget. It is important to know what you can afford so you can work within the guidelines of a budgeted amount. Residents have a variety of quality North Dakota health insurance carriers to choose from.

Regulations for Individual Health Insurance in North Dakota

The North Dakota Insurance Department oversees the health insurance industry in the state and makes sure regulations are followed. In ND, companies medically underwrite applications, meaning that they ask questions regarding your health that they then use to determine how much of a risk you pose. They can then offer you coverage or deny coverage.

If you are one of the unlucky ones who cannot get health insurance coverage in North Dakota because of a pre-existing health condition, you still have another option available to you. The Comprehensive Health Association of North Dakota will provide you with coverage as they are guaranteed issue.

All North Dakota health insurance carriers are required to offer two plans, which are state regulated. They are the standard plan and the basic plan. They match the plans that small groups offer. Elimination riders that allow companies to exclude certain coverage for select health conditions are also permitted by the regulating body. Coverage of that pre-existing condition may last for 12 months. North Dakota allows insurers to go back into your health history for the past 6 months to determine if such conditions exist. Insurers can also charge more to individuals based on risk factors like their current health. North Dakota limits acceptable cancellation reasons to non-payment or fraud only. Your policy cannot be cancelled because of too many claims.

North Dakota Health Insurance for Small Groups

If you are employed by a company that offers the option of group health insurance you cannot be turned down for it on the basis of your health status. However, typically you have to meet other guidelines such as a waiting period before the plan takes effect and a minimum number of hours worked each week. No premiums are paid during this time. If you have been without coverage for a period of time, the insurer can exclude pre-existing conditions from your coverage for 1 year. Like individual health insurance plans, they can go back 6 months into your health history. Small group rates vary and there is often higher premiums for groups that are evaluated as being higher risk than average, however their premiums cannot be more than 35% above that of low risk groups.

Regulations for North Dakota group health insurance are applicable to companies having between 2 and 50 employees. The regulations concerning rating are only valid for smaller companies having fewer than 26 employees.

Continuation Coverage and COBRA

COBRA laws are regulated federally and allow health insurance coverage in North Dakota to continue for terminated employees and their families for up to 18 months in most cases. There are extenuating circumstances that allow for 36 month continuation in some cases. The insured must pay the employee and the employer portion of the premium, as well as a 2% administration charge. This plan covers companies with an employee base of 20 or more.

There is a similar program in North Dakota called mini-COBRA and is for smaller companies. It allows health insurance coverage to continue for 39 weeks if the individual was a plan member for at least 3 months. Following termination, individuals have 10 days to activate the mini-COBRA option. You may also be eligible for a conversion plan if you are no longer eligible for group coverage.

If you are looking for medical insurance coverage in North Dakota, BestHealthcareRates.com will help you identify the best options to meet your needs. Enter your zip code above to receive a free health insurance quote in North Dakota.