Insurance companies could face new rules on denying health coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
Legislation approved in the state Assembly Tuesday puts a one year limit on how far back insurance companies can look at your medical history when you apply for coverage. State Representative Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee), a sponsor of the measure, says it's a modest step to protect consumers from being denied coverage because of something that happened earlier in their life.
Insurers can currently look back two years. The measure also includes restrictions on how far back companies can examine the medical histories of current patients.
During debate in the Assembly Tuesday, State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) raised concerns that the bill will increase insurance costs and could result in some employers having to drop coverage. However, Richards says the restrictions in the measure are similar to ones in place in dozens of other states.
The bill now heads to the state Senate.