Uninsured patients who have a pre-existing condition and can’t find health coverage can now use a new federal program, the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. In Pennsylvania, the plan is called the PA Fair Care Plan and is available for $283.20 per month through 2014.
The program can change or save the lives of patients who’ve been locked out of the health coverage market because of a medical condition.
Because each state may use different methods to determine eligibility, patients need to check on how to establish eligibility in their state. Pennsylvania patients should visit www.pafaircare.com, or call (888) 767-7015 (TTY: (888) 787-7018).
For more information, patients can also visit the federal government’s website or call (866) 717-5826 (TTY: (866) 561-1604) between 8 AM and 11 PM.
The program does not base eligibility on income and enrollees receive comprehensive health coverage at the same price that healthy people pay.
To qualify for the program, applicants must:
• Be a citizen of the United States or residing here legally;
• Have been uninsured for at least six months; and
• Have a pre-existing condition or have been denied coverage because of a medical condition.
The program covers physician and hospital services and prescription drugs. All insurance benefits are available to enrollees, even to treat a pre-existing condition. Premiums vary by state and annual out-of-pocket expenses for enrollees are capped.