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HELENA, MT -- A report released today by a health reform advocacy group shows 200,000 Montanans under the age of 65 have a diagnosed pre-existing medical condition. Those people are likely to benefit from the new federal health reform law once it is implemented, according to the report by Families USA.

Nurse practitioner Elizabeth Kostas-Polston says the numbers are not surprising, based on the patients in her rural practice. She's discovered pre-existing conditions don't just impact those who are older, they also affect adults who are working and raising families; all of whom she says will benefit from the federal health reform law.

"I am seeing women in their forties who've already had episodes of heart attacks or strokes, and/or have high blood pressure. I would say even 15 years ago, we would see less of this in younger women."

When someone is having problems related to a pre-existing health condition, Kostas-Polston says all areas of his or her life can suffer.

"When they have a health problem that's not addressed, then it affects and impacts their quality of life. It impacts their ability to work. It impacts their ability to care for their families."

Diabetes and cancer are classified as pre-existing conditions. The health problems aren't limited to those likely not to have any insurance coverage through work. According to the report, nearly three-quarters of those with the kinds of medical conditions that could lead to denial of insurance coverage are middle-class and higher-income Americans.

The report is at www.familiesusa.org.