Health Insurance Reform Updates

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act into law. The Act establishes a new federal health insurance program for U.S. citizens who have pre-existing medical conditions and who have been uninsured for at least six months.

On April 7, 2010, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle created the Wisconsin Office of Health Care Reform to oversee implementation of national health care reform in Wisconsin. The office will be co-chaired by Wisconsin Secretary of Health Services, Karen Timberlake and Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner, Sean Dilweg and will develop an implementation plan that uses national health care reform to build on Wisconsin’s successful efforts and existing programs.

Beginning January 1, 2014, virtually all Wisconsin residents will have access to health insurance either through BadgerCare Plus or through a new insurance exchange.

Within 90 days of March 23, 2010, federal funds will be made available to establish or expand state programs for individuals with pre-existing conditions who are uninsured.

In Wisconsin, these additional funds are being used to expand the state’s high risk insurance pool (HIRSP), for Wisconsin residents with pre-existing medical conditions.  The new program will be called the HIRSP Federal Plan.

To qualify for the HIRSP Federal Plan:

1. You must have been uninsured for 6 months prior to applying for coverage.
2. You must have a preexisting medical condition.
3. You must be a U.S. citizen or in the country legally.

If you meet these basic eligibility criteria, you may qualify for the HIRSP Federal Plan. Please visit the HIRSP Federal Plan area for more detailed information on the new HIRSP Federal Plan.

Please check back here or at www.healthcarereform.wi.gov for updates on how the federal legislation will expand coverage options for Wisconsin residents. You can also refer to the Federal Healthcare Reform Web site.