The District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) reiterates the availability of the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) through the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The program provides affordable health insurance for District residents unable to purchase health coverage in the commercial marketplace because of a pre-existing medical condition.

PCIP was first announced in September 2010 by the DC Department of Health Care Finance, a co-chair of the District’s four-member Health Reform Implementation Committee, along with DISB. (The District departments of Health, and Human Services are the other two members.) The PCIP was established by the federal health reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as a transitional program that provides coverage until the health insurance exchanges are launched in 2014. To qualify for the PCIP, one needs to have a pre-existing condition, has not been insured for at least six months prior, and must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. The program is administered by GEHA, a health insurance carrier under contract with DHHS.

“PCIP offers a much needed option for residents who face significant barriers to purchasing affordable health insurance in the commercial market,” said DISB Commissioner Gennet Purcell, Esq. “This is another step toward ensuring access to affordable health insurance to all District residents.”

District residents can apply for the program, with coverage starting less than a month later. Information on the application process and monthly premium rates for DC can be found at www.pciplan.com.