Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan

Programs that offer coverage to uninsured Americans who have been unable to obtain health insurance because of a pre-existing health condition. The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP), which will be administered either by a state or by the Department of Health and Human Services, provides a new health coverage option for Americans who have been uninsured for at least six months, have been unable to get health coverage because of a health condition, and are a U.S. citizen or are residing in the United States legally. PCIP is a transitional program created under the Affordable Care Act. It will be in effect until 2014 when insurers will be banned from discriminating against adults with pre-existing conditions and affordable choices will be available to individuals and small businesses through competitive exchanges.