Life Insurance with CHF-Congestive Heart Failure

Get Life Insurance If You Have CHF – Congestive Heart Failure

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What is Congestive Heart Failure or CHF?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fluid retention, and swollen ankles.

CHF (congestive heart failure) or HF (heart failure) currently affects 6.2 million people in the US (CDC.gov) Heart failure occurs when there is not enough oxygen being pumped from your heart to your organs. This happens when there is damage to your heart muscle (pump) like a heart attack, or stiffness of the heart chamber which makes it hard to fill up with good oxygen rich blood.

The lack of blood being pumped to your organs results in symptoms of dizziness or confusion, shortness of breath from the lungs filling with fluid, and swelling of the ankles, feet, abdomen, or scrotum in men. Many heart failure patients are restricted salt and fluids due to the increased swelling. Diuretics (water pills) help to eliminate excess water but have negative effects on the kidneys (chronic kidney disease) and require frequent tests of kidney function. Frequent hospitalizations for heart failure are common.

How CHF Effects Qualifying For Insurance

If you have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, it is important to understand how it may impact your eligibility for Medicare Supplement and Life Insurance.  It is important to note that each insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines when it comes to pre-existing conditions like congestive heart failure. Some insurers may impose waiting periods or exclusions for coverage related specifically to your condition.

Insurance company underwriters look for a history of Medications commonly prescribed for congestive heart failure. These include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics (such as Lasix or furosemide), and medications like Renexa which are medications that help manage symptoms such as difficulty breathing and fluid retention. They assess your application based on several factors, including the severity of your condition, any recent hospitalizations or surgeries related to congestive heart failure, and how well you are managing your symptoms through treatment.

LIFE INSURANCE

Getting life insurance with congestive heart failure can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. Congestive heart failure is a serious condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. It can be caused by various factors, including heart disease and other underlying health issues.  It’s worth noting that some insurance companies may offer specialized policies specifically tailored for individuals with pre-existing conditions like congestive heart failure. These policies may have higher premiums or limited coverage options compared to standard life insurance policies. At least there are life Insurance policies you can get.  When applying for life insurance with congestive heart failure, it is important to disclose all relevant information about your condition. Insurance companies will typically require detailed medical records, including information about your diagnosis, treatment plan, and medications.

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS (MEDIGAP)

When it comes to qualifying for a Medicare Supplement insurance with congestive heart failure, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you have to have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) in order to be eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan. These plans are designed to help cover the gaps in coverage left by Original Medicare.

Changing Medicare Supplements or initially purchasing a policy is even more difficult than getting Life Insurance. Unless you qualify for special circumstances or don’t meet certain criteria, it’s nearly impossible. Don’t assume you can get an experienced Medicare Supplement until you talk with a licensed agent who can help determine if it’s possible.

Fortunately, advancements in medical research have led to the development of new treatments for CHF. Medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers are commonly prescribed to manage the condition. ACE inhibitors help relax blood vessels and reduce fluid retention, while beta-blockers help regulate heart rate and improve cardiac function.

In addition to these medications, diuretics like Lasix (furosemide) may be prescribed to help remove excess fluid from the body. This can alleviate symptoms associated with fluid overload, such as shortness of breath and swelling.

Progress For People With Congestive Heart Failure

In 2014 Invokana was the first SGLT2 inhibitor approved in the US for diabetes control. The drug works by blocking the kidney from keeping glucose and allows glucose to be excreted in urine. This reduces blood glucose levels. (Pubmed.gov) This new classification of drugs may improve kidney outcomes. (The CREDENCE trial 7/21/21)

A study published in the Lancet (June 1, 2021) tested Jardiance, a SGLT2 inhibitor currently used for diabetes control, in heart failure patients. SGLT2 inhibitors include: Invokana, Farxiga, and Jardiance. The results were very positive with a reduction in death and a reduction of 31% in hospitalizations for heart failure. The Jardiance study results indicate the drug would work for both heart pump failure and heart chamber stiffness without progressive effects on the kidneys. Two additional large trials are currently underway.

Another treatment option for CHF is a medication called Renexa. It works by improving blood flow to the heart muscle and can be beneficial for individuals who experience chest pain or angina.

The diagnosis and treatment for congestive heart failure may have an impact on your budget.  Find out if your Medicare RX plan will cover and pay for these new medications.  If it doesn’t, ask your physician for samples until you have a plan to pay for the prescription.

Best Quote Insurance was founded by Natalie L. Cooper in 2010 who has over 25 years experience in the industry. Natalie was named as an honorary member of the New York City Fire Department Retirees in 1998 when she worked as the Manager of Retiree accounts for HIP of Florida and shortly after was awarded Affiliate of the Year by the Realtor Association of  Greater Fort Lauderdale.  She was published in Experience Magazine by the  American Bar Association Senior Lawyers Division and has been quoted on other websites.

A diagnosis of CHF will make it more difficult to purchase new Life Insurance or Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance.  Best Quote Insurance has been helping people diagnosed Life with CHF congestive heart failure get approved for Final Expense Life Insurance and Medicare Supplements for over 25 years.  If you want to secure any type of life or health insurance, call (614) 402-5160 to get help finding a policy. Best Quote is an unbiased, independent insurance agency specializing in life and health products for seniors and those under age 65.  Their portfolio of products include Life Insurance, Medicare Supplements, Long Term Care, Dental, Cancer and more.