New Year, A New Law, & A New Hope!

New Year, A New Law, & A New Hope!

It’s never easy sifting through new legislation, and especially those laws like the soon to be year-old Affordable Care Act  that phases in programs and reforms over a number of years.  Coverage for the millions of Americans with “pre-existing conditions” does not have to wait until full enactment of the law in 2014, however.  As the Andrews article points out, at least for the District and 23 states, there are new plan choices for people enrolling in Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans (PCIP) beginning this month. The new options offer current and future enrollees a greater number of coverage choices and allow people to select the plan that best meets their needs, from a three-tiered structure that began January 1, 2011.  Of course, as Andrews also points out, accessibility does not necessarily translate into affordability.  Eligible consumers have to be vigilant and review all options carefully. The good news is, they won’t have to wait until 2014.

Highlighted Clip for Tuesday, January 11, 2011:  

Health-care law adds insurance options for people with preexisting conditions

Michelle Andrews

Under the current health insurance system, people who have to buy coverage on their own rather than through an employer often find themselves in a tough spot.