pcips which went into effect last july were set up to extend coverage for the medically uninsurable. the plans -- which cover primary and specialty care hospitalization prescription drugs and preventive care at 100% -- are intended to function as a bridge until 2014 when insurers can no longer deny coverage even to those who are sick. here is what's different about these plans: looser requirements: the requirement that you must demonstrate that you've been denied by insurers before applying has been lifted. that's a big deal and saves both time and money for people interested in applying. lower cost: the federal government runs the pcip program in 23 states and washington d. c. in most of those places the plans will become more affordable. the amount of premium cuts will vary by state with some slashing prices by as much as 40%. you can check the government's web site to see what prices are where you live. state flexibility: there are 27 states that run their own pcip program which have been granted the option by the federal government to reduce premium costs as well. check with your state's health department or pcip (visit pcip. gov or call 866-717-5826). unfortunately what's not different is the requirement that you are uninsured for six months in order to qualify for coverage. for information about how to sign up for a pcip plan visit pcip. gov or call 866-717-5826.
what are pre-existing condition insurance plans (pcip)?