Good news for the disabled in 23 states and the District of Columbia, including residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
On May 31, 2011 the US Department of Health and Human Services announced new steps to make it easier for Americans to enroll in state Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans (“PCIP”).
As I have mentioned in previous posts, one of the benefits of the Obama Health Plan is the availability of health plans for people who have been uninsured (or uninsurable) for longer than 6 months and have a preexisting condition.
Under the new rules, premiums will drop up to 40% to bring the PCIP premiums in line with state premiums. In states such as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut where premiums were already well aligned with the state premiums, there will be no changes.
Eligibility standards for coverage will be eased in 23 states and DC. Starting on July 1, 2011, it will no longer be necessary for people to show a denial of coverage from an insurance company due to a pre-existing condition. Instead, all that will be necessary is a letter from a doctor, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner dated within the past 12 months stating that the application has, or at any time in the past, had a medical condition, disability or illness.
