Health Insurance for the Uninsurable: The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.

In my last post, I told you how to get health insurance if you have a pre-existing condition.  But what if you have a high-risk pre-existing condition or multiple pre-existing conditions that make you uninsurable?  There are still options for you.

If you have been declined for health insurance by multiple insurance companies you may think you are completely uninsurable and have no options, but there are still ways for you to get insurance, even if you don’t have a job that provides insurance for you.

Government health insurance for the uninsurable.

The newest way to get health insurance if you are uninsurable was mandated by the federal government when the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Health Care Reform) was passed in 2010.  It is called the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). 

Eligibility requirements vary from state-to-state: here is a list of general requirements.

• You must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S.
• You must have been uninsured for at least 6 months prior before you apply.
• You must have been declined for health insurance within the last 12 months.

Pros and Cons of the government plan.

The PCIP has relatively low deductibles and maximums but is generally more expensive than getting insurance through an insurance company.  Prices and details vary from state to state.  Click HERE to find more info on your state.

Affordable, short-term coverage for the uninsurable.

Some insurance companies offer short-term health insurance with minimal underwriting.  Since these plans have shorter applications with limited requirements, many people with uninsurable pre-existing conditions qualify for coverage. 

Pros and Cons of short-term coverage.

Short-term plans typically last 6-12 months and allow you to reapply at the end of your coverage period.  The premiums are often much lower than traditional health insurance.   Short-term plans sometimes have limited benefits, such as not providing doctor visits at co-pays or not covering brand name Rx’s.  In addition, since you have to reapply at the end of your term, you run the risk that your health history will get worse, potentially making you ineligible the next time you apply

Speak with a local health insurance broker to learn more about short-term coverage in your state.

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