Federal Health Care Options
The 2010 Affordable Care Act has expanded your options for health insurance coverage. If you have been uninsured for at least six months and have a health condition, you may be able to get health insurance through the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP).
PCIP covers major-medical and prescription drug expenses. You’re responsible for paying premium, deductible, copayments, and coinsurance amounts. PCIP won’t cost you more just because of your medical condition. PCIP isn’t based on income eligibility like Medicaid.
To qualify you must be a citizen or national of the United States or lawfully present in the United States. Go to www.healthcare.gov/law/provisions/preexisting/states/mn.html to learn more about how PCIP works in Minnesota.
Information on the Federal High Risk Pool
Private Market Coverage
If you have had an improvement in your health status, you may be able to get coverage with another insurance company at a lower premium rate.
If your spouse and/or dependent children are currently covered by MCHA and do not have a pre-existing health condition, they may be eligible for individual coverage through a another insurance company at a lower premium rate.
The companies listed to the right are licensed to sell individual health insurance policies in Minnesota. For assistance in determining eligibility through one of these companies, contact the insurance company directly, or contact a health insurance agent for assistance.
You may want to contact or apply at more than one insurance company, because each company has their own underwriting criteria. You may be accepted by one company but not another.
If you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, you are eligible for Medicare supplement insurance. Contact the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 for additional information on Medicare Plans.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN
www.bluecrossmn.com
800-262-0823
HealthPartners
www.healthpartners.com
877-838-4949
Medica
www.medica.com
800-670-5935
PreferredOne
www.preferredone.com
800-997-1750
John Alden Life Insurance
and
Time Insurance Company
www.assurant.com
800-369-6762
Minnesota Health Care Programs
Information on public programs
Medical Assistance (MA) Minnesota’s Medicaid program: MA provides medical assistance for low- income senior citizens, children and families, and people with disabilities. Income limits vary, depending on a variety of qualifying factors.
MinnesotaCare: A State subsidized health insurance program for Minnesota residents who do not have access to affordable health coverage. Eligible residents must be without insurance four months prior to application.
For information on the above programs, plus additional health care programs and resources, log onto the MN Department of Human Services Web site at www.dhs.state.mn.us – click on “Health Care.” You can also call the MN Department of Human Services Information Desk at 651-431-2000 (TTY/TDD 800-627-3529) or contact your county human service office.
