State Senator Karen Gillmor (R-Tiffin) announced Thursday that Medical Mutual of Ohio is currently accepting applications for the Ohio High Risk Pool, which gives Ohioans with cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and many other chronic medical problems, who can't get health insurance because of their conditions, access to coverage through a federally-funded, state high-risk insurance pool.
The federal government established the temporary, $5 billion high-risk pool program to provide insurance coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions until the federal health care bill becomes fully effective in 2014. Ohio's high-risk pool, which will be administered by Medical Mutual, was allocated $152 million to help cover expenses that exceed the monthly premiums and other contributions collected from enrollees. The Ohio Department of Insurance estimates that these dollars will help provide coverage for approximately 5,500 Ohioans. A waiting list will be created once enrollment limits are met.
To be eligible, patients must show proof of United States citizenship; be an Ohio resident at the time they submit their applications; and be uninsured for six months prior to the date they apply for coverage. In addition, enrollees cannot be eligible for other government programs, such as Medicare or Medicaid, or coverage through their employer, unless the individual is subject to a mandatory initial waiting period. Participants must also have a qualifying pre-existing condition as evidenced by a denial of coverage by two insurers, or by documentation from a health professional.
The Ohio High Risk Pool began accepting applications on August 1. For more information, including a list of qualifying pre-existing conditions, or to access an application, you can visit www.ohiohighriskpool.com or call 1-877-730-1117. While applications are available on the web, eligible Ohioans must print off the application and send it to Medical Mutual with a signature and required documentation. Applicants must also include a check to cover their premium payment for the first month.
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