High risk pool for NH approved by Washington

Insurance Commissioner Roger Sevigny announced last week that the New Hampshire Individual Health Plan Benefit Association (NHIHPBA) has been awarded a contract by the federal Department of Health and Human

Services to administer a federally funded Temporary High Risk Pool in New Hampshire for persons who are both uninsured and have a medical condition.

NHIHPBA is a non-profit organization created by statute to operate New Hampshire’s existing high risk pool. The commissioner oversees the program and is an ex-officio member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

The temporary high risk pool program, authorized under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act enacted by Congress in March of this year, will provide insurance coverage to some of the state’s neediest residents. Applications for this new program may be submitted for coverage beginning August 1, 2010. Commissioner Sevigny noted, “New Hampshire residents who have a medical condition and who have been without insurance for at least six months can get access to coverage immediately under this program at standard market rates.”

The federal government has appropriated $20 million dollars to New Hampshire under this program. This funding will be available until 2014 to subsidize coverage to eligible enrollees. In 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will require all health insurers to offer coverage to all persons regardless of health status at standard market rates.

Commissioner Sevigny praised the efforts made by NHIHPBA’s Board of Directors and its Executive Director, as well as the staff of his office and the newly formed US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight. “These folks worked day and night to make an entirely new insurance program available to those with the greatest need in less than three months. That is a significant achievement.” said Sevigny.

A dedicated toll-free number has been established for New Hampshire residents who would like more information, including enrollment applications, for the new federal program. Interested parties should call 877-505-0508.

For additional information, visit the New Hampshire Insurance Department web site atwww.nh.gov/insurance.