Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan Unveiled
On July 1, 2010, HHS announced the establishment of a new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) that will offer coverage to uninsured 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 U.S. legally. To date, 29 states have elected to run their own plans, while 21 states have requested that HHS administer the plan. There are federal standards for general eligibility for the PCIP program, but state programs can vary on cost, benefits, and determination of pre-existing condition. The PCIP is a transitional program that will operate until 2014, when insurers will be banned from discriminating against adults with pre-existing conditions and individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase insurance through new Exchanges.
