September 9, 2010
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PA Fair Care for High-Risk Uninsured Pennsylvanians Still Accepting Applications

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This historic and landmark legislation will ensure that all Americans are provided the opportunity for quality health care, that insurance companies are held more accountable and that the American public is given more health care choices.

One of the key programs of the Act is the high-risk insurance pools program. These pools are designed for those individuals with pre-existing medical conditions who were previously unable to get health insurance.

With so many Americans in need of quality health care, but being denied because of a pre-existing condition, the high risk pools provide critical relief to a great number of people.
States all over the nation have been accepting applications for this program. Pennsylvania joined these states when it began accepting applications for its high-risk insurance pools in August.

There are still a few slots open for eligible individuals before a waiting list is created. The program was initially intended to serve about 3500 people.

Those who qualify for the coverage should act quickly as these slots will almost certainly not fill the need of all Pennsylvanians who qualify. The slots are filled on a first come first served basis and are expected to fill quickly.

To be eligible for Pennsylvania’s high-risk pool, individuals must:

• Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

• Be a citizen or national of the United States or lawfully present in the United States.

• Have been uninsured for six months prior to the date you are applying for coverage into the program.

• Have a pre-existing condition, as listed by the state Department of Insurance

The plan's benefit package will include preventive care, physician services, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, mental health services, prescription medications and much more, with subsidized premiums of $283 a month.

Beginning in 2014, the full implementation of federal reform will prohibit discrimination against individuals because of their health status. This high risk pool will provide critical bridge coverage to those Pennsylvanians desperately in need of health insurance until that time.

The state Insurance Department estimates that there are currently 880,000 Pennsylvanians without health insurance.

Residents are urged to apply online at www.PAFairCare.com, as it is the fastest route to enrollment. Residents without Internet access can apply by phone at toll-free number, 1-888-767-7015 (TTY 1-888-767-7018).

To apply, you will need the following information handy:

• Social Security Number if a U.S. citizen

• Alien Registration Number or I-94 Number if a Non-citizen

• PA Driver’s License Number or PA Identification Number

More information is available at www.PAFairCare.com.

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