Harder To Insure Patients Get Lower Premiums And Easier Enrollment Procedure
Millions of hard-to-insure patients in the USA will now find it easier to get more affordable and prompt medical treatment after the PCIP (Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan) changes announced by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association welcomes the changes on behalf of the country’s cardiovascular disease and stroke patients.
Uninsured patients can now get a note from a provider which confirms their illness when they want to sign up for the Plan, instead of waiting to have coverage turned down by an insurance company. In other words, people will be able to apply for medical insurance by providing a letter from their doctor which states that they have had an illness or medical condition within the previous 12 months.
In 18 states premiums will go down by as much as 40%. According to the American Heart Association, over half of all uninsured Americans with cardiovascular disease say their main reason for lack of coverage is cost.
These PCIP changes will make it possible for patients who have not been able to participate because of prohibitively high premium rates, or problems in getting the paperwork, to finally get medical insurance coverage.
In a communiqué, the American Heart Association wrote:
“We commend HHS for stepping up efforts to educate insurance companies, providers and patients about the benefits of PCIP created under the Affordable Care Act as an option for uninsured individuals with pre-existing conditions. These modifications will reduce the ranks of the uninsured and give more heart disease and stroke patients access to services that will improve their quality of life.”
The plans were created by President Obama’s 2010 health care overhaul, aimed at widening coverage for high-risk patients with pre-existing conditions whose applications were turned down by private insurance companies. Since the coverage began last year, only approximately 18,000 patients have enrolled. Experts believe the lower premiums, which come into force on July 1st, 2001 should boost numbers significantly.
The Congressional Budget Office had thought about 200,000 people would have taken part in the program.
Kathleen Sebelius, HHS Secretary said:
“These changes will decrease costs
and help insure more Americans.”
American Heart Association, HHS
Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
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