Some of the folks that we serve in our diverse mission have complicated medical conditions and may have had trouble in the past finding health insurance because of a pre-existing health problem.  The federal Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) may be able to help some of these folks, especially since the premiums for the Plan will drop by 40% in Arizona beginning July 1.  Beginning the Friday folks can simply provide a letter from a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner (dated within the last year) stating that they have (or had) a medical condition, disability, or illness. Applicants won’t need to wait for an insurance company to send them a denial letter after July 1.

The new monthly premiums for the Arizona “Standard” plan will range from $104/month for people 0-18 years old to $334/month for people over 55.  Applicants approved to participate will be able to choose among 3 plan options, with different levels of premiums, calendar year deductibles, prescription deductibles and prescription co-pays.   Of course, there’s a lot more to the plan than the rates…  so folks that are interested should go to the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan Website and Apply on the HHS web site.