New Federal Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan Launches Today

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched the new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) that will offer health insurance coverage to uninsured Americans who have been denied coverage because of a pre-existing medical condition. This plan is created under the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, offering hundreds of thousands of Americans the benefits of health care reform passed by Congressional Democrats.

Residents of states that are not running their own program can apply starting today. To see whether you qualify, visit healthcare.gov, a comprehensive health insurance resource for consumers as mandated by the health reform law.

The program is open to those who:

• Have been uninsured for the past 6 months
• Have a pre-existing condition or been denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition
• Are a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

Those covered under the new plan will receive:

• Primary and specialty care, hospital emergency visits, and prescription drug coverage
• Reasonable health insurance premiums regardless of pre-existing conditions
• Guaranteed eligibility regardless of income

Availability for enrollment in the PCIP run by HHS begins July 1st. Applicants approved by July 15th will begin to receive health insurance coverage on August 1st, 2010.