You May Be Able to Get Coverage through the Affordable Care Act

If you haven't been able to get real, affordable coverage for at least 6 months due to a pre-existing medical condition, you may now qualify for coverage through a new program called the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, or PCIP.

PCIP, often described as the “high risk pool,” is part of the new health law, the Affordable Care Act. PCIP is a temporary program that will expire when health insurance exchanges start in 2014.

PCIP applications are available now at PCIP.gov.

Do I qualify for PCIP?

To qualify, you must: 1) be uninsured for at least the past 6 months, and 2) have had problems getting coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

How do I apply?

Complete the PCIP application and mail it in. (You cannot submit your application online at this time.)
You must include a copy of a recent letter from an insurance company showing that,because of your pre-existing condition, you were either: 1) completely denied coverage, 2) offered coverage that excluded certain benefits, or 3) (applies to children only) offered coverage that costs at least twice as much as PCIP.
Until August 15, you'll also need to include a copy of a document showing you are a U.S. citizen or are lawfully present in the U.S.

What is covered?

PCIP covers a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. All covered benefits are available to you, even to treat pre-existing conditions.