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Will all preexisting conditions really be covered by Affordable Care Act?

For most people, the Affordable Care Act will not change much.

Yes they will, and that is one of the most important features of the law. For insurance provided through employers, coverage of preexisting conditions has been mandated since 1996 for most people. For insurance obtained through one of the new insurance exchanges or directly from an insurance company, it will be mandated for policies that become effective on or after next January 1. Companies will not even be allowed to ask if you have a preexisting condition when you apply.

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Robert I. Field, Ph.D., J.D., M.P.H. is a professor of law at the Earle Mack School of Law and professor of health management and policy at the School of Public Health at Drexel University. He also writes for The Field Clinic blog.