A Shaky Start for High-Risk Pool Programs
Just prior to and over the holiday weekend, there were several developments related to the federal high-risk pool program that are worth mentioning here:
- Pennsylvania is still looking for an administrator for its risk pool program, even though HHS already approved the state’s risk pool contract, according to this article;
- Ohio’s governor informed Hill staff that information on HHS’ new federal website regarding the state’s pool is incorrect, and that coverage for initial enrollees will not begin until September 1 (more than two months after the law’s required implementation date of June 21);
- Connecticut’s governor directed state officials to “defer executing” the state’s contract with HHS, in light of actuarial estimates showing that premiums for a state-run pool would range from $436-$1,500 per month (letter here, and blog posting here);
- The federal official in charge of the risk pool program said at a press event that it was unlikely funding would run out because “many people won’t be able to afford to participate in the program since premiums will range between about $140 and $900 a month.”
These implementation difficulties are unfortunate, particularly as many stem directly from Democrats’ unwillingness to spend more than $5 billion on high-risk pools for people with pre-existing conditions; the Congressional Budget Office recently found that this funding level was not enough to meet demand, and could result in up to 500,000 people with pre-existing conditions being denied access. Republicans support high-risk pool programs – but support funding them properly – because coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions should not take a back seat to other dubious spending priorities in the Democrat health care law, like backroom deals and a new $15 billion slush fund for jungle gyms and other pet projects.