Illinois Government Consultants Incorporated

A new federally funded health insurance program for people with pre-existing conditions will begin accepting applicants today.

Enrollment in the Illinois Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan starts at 10 a.m. The program, part of federal health-care reform, is open to Illinois residents with chronic conditions who have been uninsured for at least six months. Illinois will receive $196 million from the federal government to provide coverage until Jan. 1, 2014, the date insurers will no longer be allowed to deny coverage based on a pre-existing condition.

State officials estimate that 4,000 to 6,000 people will receive insurance through the temporary high-risk pool.

Coverage starts Sept. 1. The plan will be administered by Urbana-based Health Alliance Medical Plans. To apply, call (877) 210-9167 or visit Insurance.Illinois.gov/IPXP.
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Source: The Chicago Sun-Times