[acb-hsp] HHS to Reduce Premiums, Make it Easier for Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions toGetHealth Insurance

[Baracco, Andrew W]

HHS NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:       HHS Press Office

Tuesday, May 31, 2011
(202) 690-6343

 

HHS to Reduce Premiums, Make it Easier for Americans with Pre-Existing
Conditions to Get Health Insurance

 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced
new steps to reduce premiums and make it easier for Americans to enroll
in the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. Premiums for the
Federally-administered Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) will
drop as much as 40 percent in 18 States, and eligibility standards will
be eased in 23 States and the District of Columbia to ensure more
Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to affordable health
insurance. The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan was created under
the Affordable Care Act and serves as a bridge to 2014 when insurers
will no longer be allowed to deny coverage to people with any
pre-existing condition, like cancer, diabetes, and asthma.

 

To further enhance the program, beginning this fall, HHS will begin
paying agents and brokers for successfully connecting eligible people
with the PCIP program.  HHS is also working with insurers to notify
people about the PCIP option in their State when their application for
health insurance is denied.  

 

The program covers a broad range of health benefits and is designed as a
bridge for people with pre-existing conditions who cannot obtain health
insurance coverage in today's private insurance market. In 2014, all
Americans - regardless of their health status - will have access to
affordable coverage either through their employer or through new
competitive marketplaces called Exchanges, and insurers will be
prohibited from charging more or denying coverage to anyone based on
their health status.

 

For more information, including eligibility, plan benefits and rates, as
well as information on how to apply, visit www.pcip.gov and click on
"Find Your State."  Then select your State from a map of the United
States or from the drop-down menu.  

 

To find a chart showing changes to PCIP premiums in the States with
Federally-administered PCIP programs, visit 
www.HealthCare.gov/news/factsheets/pcip05312011a.html. 

 

The PCIP Call Center is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time.  Call
toll-free 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604). 

 

A HHS press release regarding the PCIP changes can be found here: 
http://www.hhs.gov/news/

 





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