The Affordable Care Act — What it Means for Those with Pre-Existing Conditions

I received an email from a colleague who did a nice job in updating us on what is taking place with the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP).

"The PCIP is administered by either your state or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and provides a health coverage option for children and adults in all 50 states and the District of Columbia who have been locked out of the health insurance market because of a pre-existing condition. This transitional program will continue until 2014 when Americans, regardless of their health status, will have access to affordable health insurance when the nation transitions to a new marketplace.

Eligibility criteria for PCIP:

·         A U.S. citizen or residing here legally

·         Uninsured for at least the last six months

·         Have a pre-existing condition or have been denied health coverage because of a health    condition

For more information and how to apply, go to “Find Your State” at https://www.pcip.gov/ and click on your state from a map of the United States or select a state from a drop-down menu for information about how to apply. You can also call a toll-free line at: 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604). The Call Center is open from 8 AM to 11 PM Eastern Time.  A brochure is available online that can be printed and distributed: http://www.healthcare.gov/center/brochures/pcip.pdf

Thank you for your assistance in raising awareness of this very important program.