Health Care Coverage For Unhealthy Individuals And Families

Health care coverage for unhealthy individuals and families may not be as expensive as you thought. One of the changes in 2010 from national health care reform, was the creation of state "risk pools" that can offer affordable medical insurance. In addition to the "risk pools,", most states have "Open Enrollment" programs that allow applicants to apply for coverage regardless of existing conditions.

National health care reform has also instituted other changes including enhanced preventive benefits and eliminating lifetime limits on payable benefits. Rescission of policies is also no longer allowed.

To be eligible for risk pool coverage, you must meet certain conditions that include:

• Must be US citizen
• Must have been without coverage for at least 6 months
• Have a pre-existing condition that was deniable by two insurers

State risk pool rates vary from state to state but are typically substantially less than COBRA or substandard rates from the large health insurers. As an example, Pennsylvania's rates are approximately $270 per month per person. However, most other states will have higher rates.

Contact your State Department of Insurance (DOI) for specific details on how they relate to your specific situation. They will be able to provide current rate and coverage information along with an application for coverage. Usually, rate charts and policy benefit information can be found on the DOI websites.