Many Americans have been denied individual health insurance coverage because of pre-existing conditions and healthcare reform is working to eliminate this inequity.  According to the article “Federal Insurance Program Covers Pre-Existing Conditions” by Steve Clark on The Brownsville Herald, the Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMMS) is trying to boost enrollment in a program designed to fix this problem.

The public insurance program for US residents strives to offer quality health insurance to those who have previously been denied coverage due to a pre-existing health condition.  CMMS approximates that about a quarter million uninsured residents of Texas with pre-existing conditions qualify for this program which is called the “Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan” (PCIP).  Around 7 million US residents could be eligible for the plan which is part of the Affordable Care Act but many citizens are unaware of this program.  The PCIP started in Texas back in August and is intended to last until 2014 when reform kicks in and people can no longer be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

CCMS says the PCIP is a cheaper alternative to high-risk pools that many states offer their residents unable to obtain health insurance in the private health care market.  The PCIP works with the Texas health insurance program, the “Texas Health Insurance Pool”, to insure as many residents as possible.  The Texas Health Insurance Pool was started in 1998 to help people with pre-existing conditions obtain coverage.

The PCIP offers many benefits including primary care, specialty care, hospital stays, skilled nursing, home health care and prescription drug coverage.  Premiums can be between $174 to $749 per month, which varies based on how many benefits one chooses.  These prices are competitive and affordable for many which makes the plan a great step towards insuring all citizens and protecting the financial well being of those with pre-existing conditions.