Beginning today, uninsured Texans with pre-existing conditions can apply for a new health insurance program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) will cover a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, for uninsured Texans who currently don’t have health insurance due to pre-existing conditions.

"Thanks to health care reform, this new insurance program will help uninsured Texans with pre-existing conditions get the coverage they’ve long deserved," said Congressman Cuellar. "This new plan will benefit thousands of uninsured Texans whom insurance companies denied for being ill or previously sick. This program will provide long-overdue support for many Texas families."

Starting today, 21 states across the country will benefit from this new health insurance program as a result of the health care reform legislation passed by Congress earlier this year. Established by the Affordable Care Act, PCIP is a transitional program until 2014 when insurers will be banned from discriminating against adults with pre-existing conditions.

To be eligible for the program, Texans must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States and must have been uninsured for at least six months before applying as a result of having a pre-existing condition.

"This is one more immediate example of what health care reform is doing for Texas," said Congressman Cuellar. "Already, we’ve helped thousands of seniors, small businesses and families with new health care choices. The health care reform law is giving us commonsense solutions to benefit all Americans."

To apply for the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, Texans can visit www.pcip.gov to download the application and return it by mail. People can also visit the new health care website www.healthcare.gov to find out more information on new health care options.

To read a question and answer fact sheet on the new PCIP program, please visit: http://www.pcip.gov/FAQ.html

 

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.