High Risk Pool Offers Insurance for Those Previously Denied

Iowans previously closed out of the private individual health insurance market due to their medical history now have a new option: the Iowa high-risk pool.

“This could help thousands of Iowans whose health status has had them denied coverage in the past,” said Bruce Koeppl, AARP Iowa State Director. “Our members repeatedly told lawmakers that no one should be denied coverage due to pre-existing medical conditions, and this is a good step in the right direction.”

More than 34,000 Iowans previously denied health insurance because of pre-existing conditions such as cancer or diabetes may be eligible for coverage under the state’s newly expanded high risk pool.

The program, funded with $35 million from the new federal health care reform law, is designed to help cover the uninsured from now until 2014, when the federal law will prohibit insurers from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Iowa residents who have been uninsured for at least six months and have had problems finding affordable coverage because they have one or more of 40 listed conditions may be eligible.

The pool is administered by the Iowa Comprehensive Health Association (HIPIOWA) and offers a $1,000 deductible Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) benefit plan. The plan includes comprehensive coverage for hospital care, primary and specialty services and prescription drugs. The PPO plan gives beneficiaries the option of choosing any provider but pays a higher percentage of allowed charges if you choose a provider that is part of the Midlands Choice Network.

For more information and to apply, go to administrators, the Iowa Comprehensive Health Association or call toll-free 1-877-505-0513.