This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Pre-existing insurance extended for one month for those who missed Jan. 1 deadline
Brenda Major (left), who said she had a pre-existing condition that made it impossible to find insurance in the days before the Affordable Care Act, is examined at a clinic in Miami.
(
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
)
Listen
0:59
Pre-existing insurance extended for one month for those who missed Jan. 1 deadline
Americans with transitional government insurance for people with pre-existing conditions will have another month to shop for a private plan if they missed the deadline for new coverage that takes effect on Jan. 1st.
The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) was launched in 2010 under the Affordable Care Act. It has served as a bridge, providing health insurance to people who were turned away from or priced out of conventional health insurance plans because of an illness or other medical issue.
"The purpose of [PCIP] was to get them to January 1st, 2014, when it becomes illegal for insurers to discriminate against people with pre-existing medical conditions or charge them more," says Jack Cheevers, spokesman for the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in San Francisco.
PCIP was designed to expire on Dec. 31st, but the government is extending it to Jan. 31st, to give people who need it more time to shop for a private plan.
Those who want to continue their PCIP coverage must mail in a payment before January 6th, as the program will no longer accept automatic payments.
In order to have new insurance by February 1st, you'll need to sign up for it on or by Jan.15th, Cheevers says.
As of late October, there were 12,780 Californians enrolled in PCIP.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
