HHS announces new coverage plan and website for consumers

July 1, 2010

Washington, D.C.—Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement on the announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of the new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan for Nevadans who have been shut out of health coverage because of a pre-existing condition. This coverage option was created by the health care reform law Sen. Reid passed and enrollment begins today.

“One of the key symptoms of our nation’s broken health care system has been insurance company denials of coverage to people with pre-existing conditions,” said Reid. “This insurance plan will provide uninsured Nevadans who have been denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition with transitional help until the health insurance reform law is fully implemented discrimination against people with discriminations is outright banned.”

The Department of Health and Human Services has contracted with a private insurer to administer the pre-existing condition insurance plan in Nevada. This plan will provide temporary coverage from now until 2014 when health insurance exchanges are established and insurers are banned from discriminating against adults with pre-existing conditions. (The ban on pre-existing condition exclusions for children takes effect this year.). Coverage for eligible individuals--those who have been uninsured for at least six months and have been denied coverage because of a medical condition—will be provided with benefits at a premium that is not more than the standard individual health insurance premium in Nevada. The plan will provide primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drug coverage.

HHS also unveiled the new website created through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, www.HealthCare.gov. This website provides consumers with new information and resources that will help them take charge of their health care and gain access to the quality, affordable coverage they need. Information on the new law, existing coverage options, and how to apply for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is available on the site.