Dear Friends,

Last year, we worked tirelessly to pass the Affordable Care Act that would provide health insurance coverage for all Americans, particularly the most vulnerable: the uninsured.  I understand how difficult it can be to find affordable health insurance, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.  Under the health care reform law, the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) was created to ensure that more Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to affordable health insurance, and to serve as a bridge to 2014 when insurers will no longer be allowed to deny coverage to people with any pre-existing condition, like cancer, diabetes, and asthma. 

You may qualify for this new health coverage option if you have been uninsured for at least six months, you have a pre-existing condition, and you have been denied coverage by a private insurance company.

This week, the Department of Health and Human Services announced reductions in PCIP premiums, including a 23% decrease in Texas, and it will make it easier for Texans to enroll in a PCIP program.

As of July 1, 2011, the new monthly premiums for Texas are:

***Other costs may apply***

Apply for Coverage in Texas

For more information, including eligibility, plan benefits and rates, as well as information on how to apply, visit www.pcip.gov and click on “Find Your State.” Then select your state from a map of the United States or from the drop-down menu. The PCIP Call Center is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Call toll-free 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604).

Sincerely,

Charles Gonzalez
Member of Congress