Published: Feb. 28, 2013
HIP Michigan, a state-run Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, is suspending acceptance of new enrollment applications on March 2.
HIP Michigan will continue providing coverage to the more than 2,000 people in Michigan currently enrolled. Plans like HIP Michigan, a part of Physicians Health Plan, were designed as a temporary bridge until 2014 to offer comprehensive coverage at market rates to people who have been denied health insurance due to pre-existing conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
"As this is a temporary program for those locked out of the current insurance marketplace, HIP Michigan had a limited amount of funding from Congress. The suspension will ensure that funds are available to continuously cover our members until the end of the program on Dec. 31, 2013," said Scott Wilkerson, the president and CEO of PHP, a Sparrow affiliate. "We are committed to ensuring that enrolled members receive covered benefits for dates of service throughout 2013."
Those who are not enrolled can explore other health care options in Michigan here.
Starting next year, the Affordable Care Act guarantees that Americans - regardless of their health status or pre-existing conditions - will have access to quality, affordable coverage. People will be able to apply for coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace of Michigan when open enrollment begins on Oct. 1. Coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2014.