Millions of heart disease and stroke patients may now have a greater opportunity to receive more affordable and timely medical care with changes to the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). The American Heart Association is extremely pleased that the Department of Health and Human Services has made it easier to enroll and lowered premiums to increase access for more Americans. Uninsured patients are now able to sign up for the Plan with a note from a provider confirming their illness rather than wait to be denied coverage from an insurance company and premiums will drop as much as 40 percent in 18 states. More than half of the uninsured with cardiovascular disease say cost is the primary reason for lack of coverage. These adjustments to PCIP will open doors for patients who have been unable to participate due to high premiums or difficulties getting paperwork.

We commend HHS for stepping up efforts to educate insurance companies, providers and patients about the benefits of PCIP created under the Affordable Care Act as an option for uninsured individuals with pre-existing conditions. These modifications will reduce the ranks of the uninsured and give more heart disease and stroke patients access to services that will improve their quality of life.

For more information, visit http://www.pcip.gov/
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