Federal High Risk Pool — Now Available in Georgia

Over the past couple of months, several people have asked me about the new Federal High Risk Pool that was created by the new health care reform law.  For people in Georgia who have been declined coverage in the individual market and can’t qualify for the Georgia Assignment System or Enhanced Conversion option (after COBRA is exhausted), this was great news.   For someone with significant pre-existing health conditions who has been declined coverage or had certain conditions excluded, this new option could be a life saver … at least until 2014, when everything changes.

Information about this insurance program is available at www.healthcare.gov or at www.pcip.gov

Although there is still some mystery surrounding the new High Risk Pool, it is official as of today — July 1.  Yesterday, I was checking out the site and there were lots of kinks.   For example, I clicked on the application link for the Federal High Risk Pook and the Oregon application appeared.  I clicked on the Georgia option and got nowhere. 

Today, however, I clicked on Georgia and found the following:

Georgia
PCIP will cover a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. All covered benefits are available for you, even if it’s to treat a pre-existing condition.
While you can apply for the PCIP in Georgia today, the premium rates won’t be officially available until July 15. The estimated premium for a 50 year old will be between $491.00 and $600.00 in Georgia. If you apply before July 15, you will be notified by mail of the premium once your application is approved. In order for your coverage to be effective, you’ll then send in your payment
 
Yes, the premiums are quite high and yet to be precisely determined.  Also, there isn’t information available on what specifically is covered.  How high is the deductible and maximum out-of-pocket costs?  Hopefully, we will find this out soon as noted above.
For those who desperately need the insurance, I would recommend applying right away.   You can always drop the coverage after a short time if it isn’t worth the cost to you.  
Greg Sanders —  Peachtree Insurance Advisors — 678-236-1600 — www.insuranceadv.com