On July 6, 2010 Missouri Department of Insurance Director James M. Huff announced that $81 million in federal funding will be used on new health coverage for Missourians who have had trouble getting health insurance because of pre-existing conditions.. The idea was proposed by the Missouri Health Insurance Pool (MHIP) and was approved by the federal government. The program will also be funded by premiums that are paid by policy holders and will provide insurance coverage at competitive rates. Eligibility requirements state that you must be a Missouri resident with pre-existing medical conditions, and that you have been uninsured for at least six months. The federal and state high risk pools are available until 2014, then all applicants, regardless of health status, will be offered coverage at market rates because the new federal law will require it.
You can apply online at the MHIP website, or you can call (800)821-2231.
