Federal health insurance is available to Floridians who have not had health coverage for six months or more, and suffer from a pre-existing condition. And starting this week, that coverage now costs 40% less.
The program is called the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. In general, you need two things to qualify:
- a letter from a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner dated within the past 12 months stating that you have or, at any time in the past, you had a medical condition, disability or illness. That’s any medical condition, disability or illness.
- No health insurance coverage for at least six months before you apply.
There are three plans to choose from. Starting this week, the premiums are now 40% less. Here are the new rates for the Standard Plan:
Age 0-18: $118/month
Age 19-34: $176/month
Age 35-44: $211/month
Age 45-54: $270/month
Age 55+: $376/month
That’s full health insurance coverage, regardless of preexisting conditions, for between $118 and $376 per month.
And if you apply by July 15 and your application is accepted, you’ll be covered by August 1st.
You can get the application form at https://www.pcip.gov/Apply.html, or you can call 866-717-5826, 8 am to 11 pm, Monday through Friday. (Despite what the website says, you do not need a denial letter from a private insurance company.)
My wife had a stroke several years ago. The private insurance companies won’t cover her. For a family like ours, this is a godsend.
If you need insurance, then get your application in by next Friday, so that your coverage will start on August 1. And if you know someone who needs health insurance, then please send this note to him or her.
You may save a life.
Courage,
Alan Grayson