MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin lawmakers are considering legislation to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.

Federal law prevents public programs such as BadgerCare and employer-sponsored group health plans from denying coverage or charging higher rates due to pre-existing conditions.

But no such protection exists with private insurance.

The Assembly has approved a bill limiting the "look back" period for pre-existing conditions to one year and requiring a formal diagnosis for the conditions. But the bill would not prevent companies from denying coverage or raising premiums for those with such conditions, and patient advocates say that while helpful, it doesn't go far enough.