Friday, July 2, 2010

The New Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan

On July 1, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a new program created by the Affordable Care Act (the new healthcare law that Congress passed in March 2010) to help provide coverage for uninsured people with pre‑existing conditions.

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will provide a new health coverage option for you if you have been uninsured for at least six months, are a U.S. citizen or are residing here legally, and either have a pre-existing condition or have been denied health coverage because of your health condition.

In California, this program begins in August 2010 (apply by July 15 to have insurance by August 1). See details and find out how to apply at HealthCare.gov.

Read an easy-to-understand, printable brochure on how the Affordable Care Act helps people with pre-existing conditions.

Read the press release from the Department of Health and Human Services.