madera74

To answer your questions, yes you will need to let them know that you have bipolar, and yes, that condition could make you ineligible for coverage, at least on a non-Medicare plan. It is in your best interest to be completely honest when answering the health questions on an insurance application, because 1) the insurance company has access to check to see if you've ever submitted a claim in the past for a particular condition, and which prescriptions you have filled. You have to agree to let them access this information or they won't accept your application. And 2) if you are dishonest and they later find out that information was withheld, they could rescind your policy for insurance fraud, and will pay nothing from the time you got the policy (essentially they return all the premium minus anything they've already paid for).

My suggestion would be to work with a local independent insurance agent. He/she will be familiar with the underwriting guidelines of different insurance companies and can try to place you with one that will work best for you. If you are eligible for Medicare, you should be able to find a Medicare plan that will accept you -- I believe they accept almost all health conditions. Best of luck to you!