The ABCs of PCIP
By Nancy Brown, CEO, American Heart Association
As the calendar turns to September and millions of Americans head back to school and work, now is a good time to learn the ABCs of the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) program. PCIP is a health insurance option for Americans who have a pre-existing medical condition—such as heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure—and who have been uninsured for at least six months. What does PCIP offer?
- Affordable coverage. Thanks to changes announced by the Department of Health and Human Services that took effect July 1 in many states, the premiums for PCIP coverage are more affordable. The premiums charged under PCIP for those with a pre-existing condition are the same rates charged to healthy individuals. And in some states, premiums for PCIP dropped as much as 40 percent starting July 1.
- Basics of enrollment. It’s also now easier to enroll in PCIP. Rather than needing a denial of coverage letter from an insurance company, many states now allow patients who have been uninsured for six months or more to sign up for the plan with a note from their health care provider confirming their illness. Eligibility is not based on income, but applicants must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- Comprehensive coverage. PCIP offers comprehensive insurance coverage, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, prescription drugs, home health and hospice care, skilled nursing care, preventive health, and maternity care.
If you think that you or someone you know might qualify for PCIP, visit your state page to get more information. You can also learn about other health coverage programs and sign up for email updates on how the health care law is taking shape in your state.