Sen. Carper Highlights Help for Uninsured Delawareans with Pre-Existing Conditions

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) highlighted a program that will help thousands of uninsured Delawareans with pre-existing conditions obtain affordable and life-saving health insurance. The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) program, a provision under the Affordable Care Act, will give eligible Delawareans, who have been denied coverage by a private insurance company due to a pre-existing condition, the opportunity to purchase health insurance coverage at significantly lower rates.  

Beginning in July 2011, the PCIP fixed month premium rates will decrease by as much as 40 percent. To find the new monthly premiums for Delaware under the new plan, please click here. To apply for the PCIP plan, please click here.  

“The Obama Administration’s improvements to the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan are good news for Delawareans who find it hard to obtain affordable health insurance coverage because of their pre-existing health conditions,” said Sen. Carper. “Unfortunately, thousands of Delawareans have been unable to secure health insurance coverage through no fault of their own when they need it the most. These insurance plans give renewed hope to those individuals who thought they had run out of options. I encourage eligible Delawareans to explore whether this quality, affordable health insurance coverage might now be within reach for them.”  

To qualify for coverage, you must:

• Be a citizen or national of the United States or lawfully present in the United States;
• Have been uninsured for at least the last six months before you apply;
• Have a pre-existing medical condition that is verified through a letter from a doctor, nurse or physician’s assistant.  

PCIP covers a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. All covered benefits are available for the insured, even if it’s to treat a preexisting condition.  

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