Facts on Health Insurance for People With Heath Problems

In March 2010, U.S. Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act. Among the health insurance reforms created by this legislation is the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP), a program which makes health insurance available to Americans denied coverage by private insurance companies because of pre-existing health conditions.

Who

• According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the PCIP provides 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.

What

• The HHS says the program covers a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care and prescription drugs. Enrollees with medical conditions do not have to pay higher premium prices and eligibility is not based on income.

When

• The PCIP is effective from July 2010 through 2014, when insurers will be banned from discriminating against adults with pre-existing conditions, per the Affordable Care Act.

Where

• The PCIP is available in every state---but the program may vary depending on your state, according to the HHS. Some states run their own PCIP plans while others are administrated by the HHS. Check HealthCare.gov to learn how PCIP is operated in your state.

Why

• "For too long, Americans with pre-existing conditions have been locked out of our health insurance market," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in a press release. "This program will provide people the help they need as the nation transitions to a more competitive and fair market place in 2014," stated Sebelius.