As has been noted here previously, the plans for people denied insurance elsewhere have seen very low enrollment rates. Changes are being announced today, with premiums falling by up to 40% and only a note from a Doctor needed for proof of eligibility. Now this looks more like a viable option.
Government to lower prices, ease rules on health plans for people with preexisting conditions
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration, expanding a program created by the new healthcare law, moved Tuesday to make health insurance more affordableand accessible for Americans who have been denied coverage because they are sick.
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Now, federal officials estimate, premiums in some states could come down as much as 40%, thanks to a more refined analysis of what the plans should charge.
The administration is directly slashing premiums in most of the 23 states and the District of Columbia which have elected to have the federal government run their health plans. The remaining 27 states, which each runs its own plan, will be able to reduce premiums, as well.
At the same time, the administration will no longer require applicants for these plans to furnish a letter from an insurance company showing they had been denied coverage. Instead, applicants will need only a letter from a doctor, nurse or physician's assistant stating they have a medical condition.
Applicants will still have to show they had been without coverage for at least six months.
Preexisting condition plans: New rules on government health plans for preexisting conditions - latimes.com