Have a Pre-existing Condition? You're Now Insurable

Texans and Americans are seeing visible changes. Thanks to health care reform, Americans who have been unable to obtain health coverage due to a pre-existing condition will now be able to apply for reasonably priced health coverage under a new plan. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will administer the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). The PCIP will offer a benefits rich, moderately priced health package that does not base eligibility on income and does not charge a higher premium because of a medical condition. Benefits include primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. This program is open to individuals who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, have been uninsured for the past six months, and have been unable to obtain health coverage due to a pre-existing condition. Click here for an informational brochure. Click here for an application.

Prior to today, many Americans with health conditions were uninsurable and had no options. Those who were fortunate enough to find insurance were often not covered for the very medical conditions for which they needed the coverage. Thankfully, these individuals now have options and more security.

The PCIP will be in effect until 2014, when insurance companies will no longer be able to discriminate against adults with pre-existing conditions, and individuals and small businesses will have access to more affordable private insurance choices through new competitive Exchanges.

Governor Perry opted out of having Texas administer the program for its residents. However, given the Governor's track record on health care, Texans will surely benefit from his decision.

This piece first ran on Garnet Coleman's blog, and is reprinted with permission.