New Health Insurance Resources Launch July 1st

Have you or a loved one had a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, or other pre-existing medical condition and been without health insurance coverage for at least six months? If so, you may be eligible for a new insurance program, called Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans, that was created by the new health care reform law, the Affordable Care Act, and begins in many states starting July 1st.

The exact terms and conditions of the coverage will vary depending on which state you live in. Enrollment in about half the states begins July 1st, with the remaining states beginning enrolling people in their plans later this summer.

Although these new plans may not be a feasible option for everyone, they could be a more affordable insurance option for individuals who’ve had difficulty getting coverage in the individual insurance market because of their medical condition. These plans are intended to provide transitional coverage to those who are currently uninsured until January 2014, when additional insurance options and assistance with paying premiums will be made available through state-based health insurance marketplaces called exchanges.

To help you learn more about these new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plans or other insurance options that may be available to you, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new website, www.healthcare.gov. The new site is aimed at helping consumers navigate the maze of health care coverage options, both private and public, and better understand what the new health reform law means for them.