Why do I have a pre-existing waiting period?

A pre-existing waiting period protects existing members' premiums. A pre-existing waiting period means a member cannot receive benefits during at least the first 12 months of coverage for any symptom or condition that existed prior to the effective date of coverage. Because the cost of individual coverage is based on use of benefits by the entire membership, pre-existing waiting periods help Kansas Farm Bureau Health Plans provide coverage at a significantly lower cost than if pre-existing waiting periods were not in place. If pre-existing waiting periods were not in place, people could wait until they became ill to get health care protection, driving health care costs to an unaffordable level for everyone.