by Monica E. McFadden

About the author: Monica E. McFadden is a Chicago-based lawyer.

John McGann has AIDS. After discovering the nature of his illness, his employer alters his health insurance policy to reduce his lifetime coverage for AIDS-related care to $5,000, while maintaining the million-dollar limit for coverage for all other health conditions. Is this legal"

Harry Smith has insulin-dependent diabetes, which is under excellent control. He applies for individual health insurance and marks “yes” to the question about diabetes on the application. Without ever reviewing his medical records or talking to his physician, the company denies coverage. In a letter, the insurance provider identifies the diabetes as the express reason for its decision. Can the company do that"

Joan Doe has breast cancer, which is in remission. She changes employers...