July 6th, 2010 – Today, new insurance plan is available to US citizens who have been uninsured for 6 months or more AND were denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
The new federally sponsored program, “Getting Us Covered” is run by CoverColorado, Colorado’s high risk insurance pool.
Getting Us Covered’s premiums for individuals will range from $115 to $806 per month, depending on a participant’s age, tobacco use and what county they live in. The plan has a $2500 deductible plus an additional $3450 for the coinsurance out of pocket, in-network. According to their web site, the plan has a $1 million lifetime maximum benefit.
There may be as many as 4,000 people in Colorado that will be eligible for Getting Us Covered. Rocky Mountain Health Plans currently helps administer CoverColorado. Qualified individuals can get more information and apply at http://www.GettingUsCovered.org
Getting Us Covered is a temporary program that is to end in 2014 when guarantee issue health insurance begins. However, the $90 million in federal funds to support the new program may be exhausted as soon as the end of 2011, according to some experts. No state funds will be used for the program according to Governor Bill Ritter.
Also this week, a new law requires employer sponsored health insurance plans to cover autism and Asperger’s syndrome.
Last year I had this insurance and was sent a letter saying that it was ending. Is it still available for me to continue.
No, this program was a temporary plan to help bridge coverage until the the new Affordable Care Act plans started in 2014. To get a new ACA compliant plan you’ll want to apply before open enrollment closes. You can read the updated open enrollment rules and exceptions posted today.