The State of Georgia has elected to participate in a new insurance plan established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) will provide temporary coverage for Georgia residents who have been unable to purchase insurance due to pre-existing conditions. The coverage will remain in effect until 2014 when the new insurance exchanges are established.
Georgia’s plan will be administered by HHS. As of July 1, HHS began accepting applications for coverage. Coverage will become effective on August 1 for those who submit applications before July 15.
“For too long, Georgia residents with pre-existing conditions have been locked out of our health insurance market,” said Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Today, the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan gives them a new option — the same insurance coverage as a healthy individual if they’ve been uninsured for at least six months because of a medical condition. This program will provide people the help they need as the nation transitions to a more competitive and fair market place in 2014.”
The Affordable Care Act provides $5 billion in federal funding to support Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans in every state.
Some states, like Georgia, have requested that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services run their Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. Other states have requested that they run the program themselves.
For more information about the plan and how to apply, visit HHS’s new consumer website, www.HealthCare.gov.
An informational pamphlet on the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan can be found at: http://www.healthcare.gov/ center/brochures/PCIP.pdf.
Governor Oxendine, what's your position on this?
But if you're a Republican you must be opposed to the federal government providing your insurance coverage. Go out and find some for yourself, don't make me pay for your coverage.
would you rather we kick them to the curb? what if it's you next time? or a member of your family?