OCIIO Promotes Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans through New Website - February 1, 2011

The federal Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (OCIIO) is encouraging eligible individuals to seek and obtain insurance coverage with Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans, as authorized under the Affordable Care Act. OCIIO’s new website, provides information about Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans, including eligibility criteria and specific state options. Under the Affordable Care Act, each state is required to provide Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans for individuals who are denied insurance due to pre-existing or “high-risk” conditions. The plans will be available until 2014, when they will phase out in favor of State Exchanges, which will provide access to insurance products for all individuals, regardless of health conditions. NAPH strongly encourages hospitals to alert potentially-eligible patients about the existence of these plans. OCIIO has also established a call center for individuals who want to learn more about Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans. The call center is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time at 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604).