HHS Requests State Feedback on High-Risk Insurance Pools - April 22, 2010

On April 2, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued a letter to governors and independent insurance commissioners asking states to express interest in participating in the new high-risk insurance pools established through comprehensive health reform. Under the new law, $5 billion is appropriated starting July 1 to provide insurance to uninsured individuals with pre-existing conditions. The program will run until January 1, 2014, when such individuals will be able to obtain insurance through state exchanges. The deadline for states to express an interest in participating in high-risk pools is April 30; HHS will carry out its own coverage program in states that choose not to participate.