According to the report, applicants for the PCIP will be able to qualify by submitting a letter from a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner confirming the patient has or has had a preexisting medical condition, disability or illness. Previously, applications were required to submit a letter of denial form a health plan before they could qualify.
HHS runs the PCIP in 23 states and the District of Columbia; 27 other states run their own federally-funded PCIPs.
HHS is also lowering plan premiums by up to 40 percent in 18 states and notifying other states that they can reduce plan premiums as well. The application changes and premium decreases will take effect July 1.
Read the American Medical News report on PCIPs.
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