Uninsured? Uninsurable?

In March of 2010, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act—the new health law.  The law creates a new program – the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan — to make health coverage available to you if you have been denied health insurance by private insurance companies because of a pre-existing condition.

A couple of weeks ago, the government launched its health insurance website.     Click on the “Understand The New Law” tab to find information about plans and costs which might be available in your state.

If you’ve had no health insurance for at least 6 months, have been declined for health insurance and have a letter from an insurance company to prove it, you may be eligible for the government-run high risk health “insurance.”

However, 29 states, including California, have opted out of the federal government program.   Instead, by September 23rd, California, and other states, will launch their updated Major Risk Plans with new federally mandated benefits and rates.

These high risk plans — both federal and state — will provide coverage through 2014 when all insurance companies in the country will be mandated to offer health insurance to everyone, regardless of your health status.

BUT… between now and 2014, watch out!  If you already have private health insurance, I predict that rates are going to skyrocket.   The insurance companies are going to have to fill the coffers and gird their loins in preparation for 2014, when the bulk of the “stealth” care reform goes into effect.    If insurance companies are forced to sell to everyone, then everyone must buy.  It’s the only way the system can work.

And if you think that buying health insurance through the government’s Exchange network is going to be fun, then think again.  There will be no one to look out for your best interests.   No one, except some far off 800 number, to call for help.   And, quite possibly, no brokers to give you personal guidance, service, advice, counsel, or a warm hug.