In March, the President signed an historic package of health reforms into law. The new law offers critical protections for the millions of Americans who have pre-existing conditions today—as well as for those who are healthy now but who may develop a health problem as they grow older. As a result of health reform, no American with a pre-existing condition will be denied coverage, charged a higher premium, or sold a policy that excludes coverage of essential health benefits simply because he or she has a pre-existing condition.

These state reports take a closer look at the number of Americans with diagnosed pre-existing conditions who, absent reform, would be at risk of being denied coverage in the individual insurance market. The uninsured and those who do not have access to job-based coverage are at greatest risk, but even those who now have coverage at work could be at risk if they lose or leave their jobs and have to find coverage in the individual market. See the national report for more information and the methodology.

The reports are being released from May 11 through May 27.