To start, make sure you understand health insurance terminology. The federal government has a glossary for your reference.

If you have health insurance, be sure to read your insurance plan carefully and keep in mind the features of your condition that affect you and your family members now, as well as which features could become more serious in the future and require additional medication and surgery. When you are evaluating your current health insurance or exploring new plans, make sure it:

• Includes disability services
• Covers major surgeries and, if so, what percentage of the cost does the plan cover
• Provides discounts on medications
• Allows you to visit the healthcare provider of your choice and, if not, provides in-network access to doctors who are familiar with Marfan syndrome and related conditions
• Covers out-of-state doctors and surgeons
• Covers treatment for genetic disorders/pre-existing conditions
• Requires you to be responsible for a co-payment

If you do not have insurance, or if you feel that your insurance plan is not right for you, it is important to learn more about getting care and coverage by insurance. Remember that going without health coverage for more than 63 days will result in the loss of some legal protections; therefore, we urge everyone to stay insured if at all possible. Here are some helpful websites that offer information about various types of insurance and eligibility requirements.

• The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can help you understand different types of insurance
• To find out whether you qualify for low cost public health insurance programs you can take an eligibility quiz from the Social Security Administration
• The Department of Health & Human Services has a guide to low-cost insurance programs for children
• The Health Center Directory can help you find community health clinics, healthcare professionals, and specialists in your area
• Some states currently guarantee health coverage for individuals regardless of health status. The Foundation for Health Coverage Education offers a state-by-state guide of healthcare choices

It’s also important to understand your rights when it comes to insurance, health-related laws, and social security and disability benefits. Here are some useful websites to help you increase your knowledge in these areas.

• Learn about laws that affect healthcare and insurance coverage from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Learn about your eligibility for Medicare, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Social Security Supplemental Income

Many hospitals have policies in place to offer free or reduced-price care for those who are uninsured. Hospital and clinic social workers or billing departments can often help identify sources of low- or no-cost care in your community and help you apply for Medicaid/Medicare and other local programs.

Even if you or your loved one with Marfan syndrome or a related condition does not have health insurance, a hospital must stabilize anyone in an emergency. If you have a medical emergency, do not hesitate to go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Educate yourself about Marfan syndrome features and complications by reading the information on this website and contacting our help center (800-8-MARFAN or on our Ask a Question page.)