DeLauro Praises Expansion of Health Insurance Coverage for Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) issued the following statement today praising the Department of Health and Human Services for establishing the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan. This transition program, created by the Affordable Care Act, offers coverage to uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions until the permanent ban of such discriminatory practices in 2014.

The Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan is administered either by a state or by the Department of Health and Human Services. All states are required to participate, or to implement their own programs. 29 states, including Connecticut, have opted to establish their own programs, while 21 states have elected to have HHS administer their plans.

"The creation today of the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan will ensure that Americans who are most in need, who have serious medical concerns and bills, will be able to obtain quality, affordable health insurance. The Affordable Care Act seeks to protect patients, and consumers, hold insurance companies accountable, and reduce costs for those who have insurance while making coverage more affordable for people currently without it," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "This transition program will ensure that no one is excluded from the benefits of the new health reform law, and is a great example of how the Affordable Care Act helps protect the American public and ensure that everyone has access to the health insurance they need."