How will the new Preexisting Condition Insurance Plan (formerly high-risk pool) work and when will it be available? What if my state already has one?
A temporary national Preexisting Condition Insurance Plan (formerly called the high-risk pool) was established July 1, 2010. Up to $5 billion in federal funding will be provided to cover those who have been denied coverage due to a preexisting condition and who have been uninsured for at least six months prior to applying for enrollment. The secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will determine the benefits that must be included and is considering establishing a minimum standard. HHS will also determine what qualifies as a “preexisting condition.” Each state has now made a decision about whether to establish its own Preexisting Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). If a state already has a high-risk pool in place, it may combine it with its new PCIP or operate them separately. Thirty-four states currently have a high-risk pool, but eligibility, benefits, premiums, subsidies and other parameters vary widely. Some states have elected to let HHS handle the creation of t
Related Questions
- Will the Pre-Exisiting Condition Insurance Plan replace or modify the Texas Health Insurance Pool, the high-risk pool established by the state of Texas?
- Can a state high-risk health insurance plan (high-risk pool) qualify as an HDHP?
- Is the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) available in every state?
