News
New government plan offers medical coverage for uninsured Americans with pre-existing health conditions
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan that will offer coverage to uninsured Americans who have been unable to obtain health coverage because of a pre-existing health condition.
The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, which will be administered either by a state or by the Department of Health and Human Services, will provide a new health coverage option for Americans who have been uninsured for at least six months, have been unable to get health coverage because of a health condition, and are a U.S. citizen or are residing in the United States legally.
“For too long, Americans with pre-existing conditions have been locked out of our health insurance market,” said Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Today, the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan gives them a new option – the same insurance coverage as a healthy individual, if they’ve been uninsured for at least six months because of a medical condition.”
Created under the Affordable Care Act, the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is a transitional program until 2014. In that year, insurers will be banned from discriminating against adults with pre-existing conditions, and individuals and small businesses will have access to more affordable private insurance choices through new competitive Exchanges, said the announcement.
In 2014, Members of Congress will also buy their medical insurance through Exchanges.
