From the NRCA Capitol Insider-- The Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) announced that it would be reducing premium rates for uninsured people with pre-existing medical conditions to join temporary high risk pools.
HHS will lower premiums by about 20 percent in 2011 for the 23 states participating in the federal government run Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan and asked the states running their own programs to consider lowering their rates as well. The high risk pools are very important for people with disabilities who are frequently priced out of most private health insurance plans. The pools are intended to provide needed coverage until the health status non-discrimination provisions and the establishment of the health insurance exchanges take effect in 2014.
16 comments:
Looks like some of the provisions of the newly signed health care bill ares starting to take effect. This issue was a real stickler in the Obama administration, as well as many in Congress. Insurance companies have historically denied any type of coverage for pre-existing condition, and law makers made it a point to include this into the new law. Many people lived unpleasant live under private health insurance. Still, no doubt insurance companies will find ways to deny coverage to some. Its all about the bottom line. That might be acceptable if your business is a flower shop or gas station. However, big corporations should re-prioritize when your dealing with human life.
The year 2014 seems like a really long time but the truth is that portions of the reform are being implemented slowly over the period of time. I was very surprised to see some of the changes this reform will have. For example, it promises to end some of the worst insurance company abuses, resources for states to help lower the health insurance premium increases and I think by far most importantly the establishment of the pre-existing condition insurance plan to provide coverage to Americans who have been uninsured because of a pre-existing condition. This one I feel is really important because I also saw that it will help primarily children and their families that have been denied insurance each year because of an illness or pre-existing condition. Like all laws and regulations this one comes with read the fine print it is only for those under age 19, but atleast it will be better than it was before. An important statistic that I found is that 72,000 uninsured children will be extended health care coverage due to this provision and up to 90,000 children will no longer have certain benefits not covered because of a pre-existing condition.
I am pleased to read that health care reforms are in progress. It is importance that people have EQUAL access to health care. It should not be addressed as a luxury possessed by the privileged and indigent few, but as a commodity accessible to all. It is a step in the right direction that preexisting conditions will be receiving better coverage. Lowering premiums is also a monumental reform being made to aid national health insurance coverage.
Most people have experienced for themselves or know others who have been shortchanged by insurance companies because they have a pre-existing medical condition. I've known people who have medical insurance, but were denied treatment because their medical condition was pre-existing. Premium rates can be an obstacle for both insured and uninsured people. I support any effort to reduce premium rates for people in either situation. I agree that these high-risk pools are great importance to people with disabilities who are waiting for health insurance reform to take effect. I am sincerely pleased to see the Department of Health and Human Services working towards solving the concerns of uninsured people in our country. We list all exercise our right to vote. We must continue to elect public officials who support progressive programs such as this. We must continue to elect officials who will continue to evaluate and reform our country's health system.
I am glad to see that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be reducing premium rates for uninsured people with pre-existing medical conditions. The year 2014 is far in the future. With HHS lowering these costs, people with pre-existing conditions will be able to receive the healthcare in which they need. No one should be without health insurance, and especially, no one should be denied coverage. Like with any healthcare changes, I would be interested in seeing how this will actually turn out. Like Maria B. mentioned, there is fine print that comes with this change. I’m sure that with this change, other individual’s insurance policies will increase in price. Healthcare insurance companies are businesses. Even though we would like to see them benefiting people, they will always be concerned with maximizing their profit. Although this change sounds promising, we will only know it’s impact once all the changes have been implemented.
I am all for the Department of Health and Human Services reducing premium rates for uninsured people with pre-existing medical conditions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it reported that the number of uninsured Americans rose by 1.4 million to 15.6 percent, or 45 million, in 2003, up from 15.2 percent in 2002, the third straight annual increase. People with disabilities would most certainly stand to benefit from the reduction of cost with pre-existing medical conditions.
This is huge for some people. My son couldn't get insured because a pre-existing heart condition and the rates were out of this world. it just didn't seem fair. I'm very happy to see a step forward in equality in healthcare opportunities. There are many people in this same boat and I'm glad to see that people with pre-existing conditions will have a chance at insurance as well.
This is awesome! I really don't understand why people with pre-existing condidtions should have to pay larger amounts of money on insurance?? It's not as if one chooses to become ill or such, although lifestyle choices do come into play.
-Eliana Mendoza
What a fantastic opportunity for others to partake in receiving health benefits. Its good to see that states are participating before the government makes this necessary. Better time than any to get a head of others I guess. Even though rates may be getting lower, it’s still extremely difficult for those who have disabilities to get medical coverage (if they don’t already). Again, I have to say that this blog topic is seen as a step in the right direction, and it is, but I feel that we need a giant leap to make a significant difference. What I mean by that is, there are so many people who do not qualify for Medicaid/Medicare and are unable to afford Private Health Insurance from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aflac and other agencies. Another issue is obtaining health insurance by a private agency when having a pre-existing medical condition, its almost impossible. A giant leap, in my eyes would be the government assisting these individuals obtain health insurance then work with lowering rates if possible.
I think that this is a very positive step. I understand how hard it is to become insured, as well as the strain on the healthcare system as a result of health care costs of the uninsured. I am happy to see that people who would otherwise be rejected by insurance companies are being given a chance to insure themselves. I think that the people who are trying to be responsible by insuring themselves should be allowed the opportunity to do so. What the insurance companies fail to recognize is the fact that yes, someone with a pre existing condition may cost them more, but by allowing them insurance they will actually see some small percentage of the money they are spending. Afterall, there is a very large percentage of people who faithfully pay for health care coverage that never use it. The insurance companies are making their money at both ends. I think that this is a step in the right direction. People that wish to be responsible and seek health care coverage shouldn't be denied as a result of a pre existing condition.
It’s about time that HHS considers lowing cost for individuals with pre-existing condition. On a personal note I have not had insurance for the past two years due to unemployment and have had to see the student health center when I’ve been sick. Two days ago I had to see my eye doctor because I have been having some complication with my eyes. Again I have not insurance so it cost me quite a bit of money, well come to find out I have a strong case of beginners glaucoma. I have to get treated every six months making this a pre-existing condition. Now I know no insurance carry will want to cover me. I really hope that with this new low cost I may be able to receive insurance.
Insurance companies are businesses, regardless. HHS is definitely taking a step in the right direction and is seeking to help those who indeed need the help. I must agree that some premiums are just outrageous and unfortunately not everyone is in the position to afford it, but who is to say that an individual chooses to become ill. Pre-existing conditions are just that, pre-existing, and I feel that they should not interfere with receiving the proper medical attention. With such changes coming up I am sure there will be some definite ups but followed will be some downs on the movement. With 2014 seeming to be so far away it will soon be upon us and we need to keep an eye on this.
It has been a long time for this to actually happen. People with disabilities were being discriminated in this aspect without the government doing anythin until now. PWD should not be paying ridiculous amount of money compared to a person without a disability. This has been a huge step and one of the first to happen from Obama's agenda.
Melchora Gracia
This makes perfect sense. The health of the general public is in dire need for proper health care and the stronghold of the insurance companies need to loosen in Washington. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer she was fortunate enough to already have coverage; my heart goes out to those who have been denied proper health care coverage due to their prior medical problems.
I'm glad the Health and Human Service Department is taking some initiative to help insure people with pre-existing conditions now, since their health problem are happening NOW not in 2014. Reducing the premium is a start and step in a positive direction. How humanistic is to punish people for having a condition they didn't ask for in the first place? How realistic is it to punish people for not being able to afford medical care prior to their illness? It is sad that these individuals with preexisting conditions are being placed in the temporary high risk pools but it is also no fair that people with disabilities end up in the same temporary high risk pools as well. I hope the rest of the states consider following the trend to facilitate the transition to the new health insurance policies that are to come. There are a lot of concerns that remain to be addressed but I'm happy that some things are starting to change.
"The pools are intended to provide needed coverage until the health status non-discrimination provisions and the establishment of the health insurance exchanges take effect in 2014."
Although it is not until 2014 that the non-discriminating provisions will take effect, I am glad to know that something is already being done to change the way insurance companies choose who to serve. It is extrememly sad to know that insurance companies that you would think "care" about the health and well-being of our country's citizens would deny so many people with health coverage. Of course this has been happening for so many years now, and I am pleased to know some changes are being made now and that our government is moving closer into equality for people with a good health and those unfortunately who have certain conditions or pre-existing conditions.
HB
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