[mvpel]

I don't think this would be too onerous provided the companies are free to set the premium accordingly.

In order for it to be something other than welfare, the premiums would have to be higher than the total ongoing cost of the pre-existing condition, and what's the point of that?

[skeeter]

Because a condition is pre-existing doesn't necessarily mean its being treated. For example, Someone in my family has a genetic "disease" thats pretty innocuous, but may one day require some kind of treatment (on the other hand maybe not) but insurance companies refuse her coverage because of it.

If she cannot get coverage in the private sector she WILL have to depend upon some government program - 'welfare'.

I'm not sure exactly what can be done in this kind of situation but surely there is a free market solution available.