Premiums Lowered in Federal High-Risk Pool
Author:
Stacey Pogue /(512) 320-0222 x 117
July 13, 2011
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Federal and state high-risk pools provide key coverage options for Texans
The health of our whole state is ensured when all of us have access to quality, affordable health care-when we can count on the preventative care we need to stay healthy and see a doctor when we are sick. For many of us with pre-existing medical conditions, we can only get coverage through a high-risk pool. The Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) is a federally administered high-risk pool created by the Affordable Care Act. Recently, the federal government announced changes that will help increase access to this coverage—premiums in Texas were reduced by 24 percent and applicants can now prove they have a pre-existing condition by providing a letter from a health care professional, instead of waiting to receive a rejection letter from an insurance company. PCIP is one of two high-risk pools that provide coverage options for Texans.
This Policy Page explains both high-risk pool options in Texas—their similarities, differences, and important recent changes.