August 4, 2010 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today announced the implementation of a new program that enables uninsured individuals with pre-existing conditions to receive first-rate healthcare through the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
“Federal health care reform will prevent discrimination against people because of their health history,” Fontana said. “However, these changes do not come into full effect until 2014. In the meantime, the PA Fair Care Program provides coverage to Pennsylvanians in this high-risk group. I strongly encourage my eligible constituents to apply for the Fair Care Program.”
PA Fair Care will be administered statewide through a contract with Highmark Blue Shield. Benefits will include preventive care, physician services, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, mental health services and prescriptions. The cost to enrollees is a subsidized premium of $283.20 monthly.
To be eligible for PA Fair Care, applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident
- Be a Pennsylvania resident
- Have a pre-existing health condition
- Be uninsured for the previous six months
Applicants will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. PA Fair Care will begin taking applications on Wednesday, August 4 after 8:30 a.m.
Applications can be completed online at www.PAFairCare.com or, for applicants without internet access, with assistance from the toll free helpline – 1-888-767-7015 (TTY 1-888-767-7018) Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
More information about the program can be found at www.PAFairCare.com or by calling 1-888-767-7015.