Delawareans with pre-existing conditions have new insurance options

This morning, Senator Coons visited Wilmington’s Henrietta Johnson Medical Center to talk with patients and their families about one of the helpful benefits of the new health reform law. For too long, those with pre-existing conditions have faced expensive insurance premiums and were routinely denied coverage by providers. Thankfully, with the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act last year, Americans with pre-existing medical conditions have a new option for affordable health insurance. 

For Delawareans who have been denied coverage as a result of chronic or pre-existing conditions, affordable insurance is now a reality. In his visit to the Henrietta Johnson Medical Center today, Chris outlined the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Program that can cover adults through 2014, when provisions of the Affordable Care Act prohibiting denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions come into effect. The Affordable Care Act has already been extending this right to children with pre-existing conditions since last year.

Speaking to doctors, patients, and hospital visitors, Chris said, “Delawareans who have been denied coverage for a pre-existing condition like cancer, diabetes, asthma, or high-blood pressure need to know that there is now an option available to them.” The Affordable Care Act has already enabled young people under the age of 26 to be covered under their parents’ plan, and it promises to lower health insurance costs and enable more Americans to purchase affordable insurance as additional provisions come into effect over the next few years.

Delaware’s Pre-Existing Care Insurance Program, which is administered by the federal government, covers a range of benefits. These include primary and specialty care, doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Moreover, there are no waiting periods for coverage of pre-existing conditions. It also features a number of plan options and does not base eligibility on income.

If you have a pre-existing condition, and can prove that you have been denied coverage as a result (or been told you do not qualify for coverage), this plan may be a good option for you. Depending your age and what type of coverage you select, your premiums could be as low as $181 a month. 

If you are interested in more information about the Pre-Existing Coverage Insurance Plan, including full qualifications, you should visit www.pcip.gov and www.healthcare.gov to learn more.