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People with pre-existing
conditions face daunting challenges — and high costs — when they
shop for health insurance. This new plan covers physician and
hospital services and prescription drugs. Premiums vary by state.
Annual out-of-pocket expenses for enrollees are capped.
Details about the program and
how to apply may vary depending on what State you live in. In some
states, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with the
help of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s National Finance Center, will run the
Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan; other States have asked to
run the program themselves.
Regardless of which State you
live in, to qualify for the program you must be a U.S. citizen or
legal resident, and you must have been uninsured for at least six
months. In addition, you must have a pre-existing condition or have
been denied insurance coverage because of a medical condition.
For more information, call the
Pre-Existing Condition
Insurance Plan toll-free at 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604)
between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Or visit
www.pcip.gov
and select “Find Your State” to learn about eligibility and how to
apply.
By Judith Bartels
Social Security District
Manager in Springfield, IL
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