MADISON, Wis. (WTAQ) - Wisconsinites who cannot get private health insurance due to pre-existing conditions can start applying Thursday for coverage under the state’s Risk Sharing Plan.
The Badger State is getting $73 million in federal money to help pay for the expanded coverage, which is part of the new national health care reform law. Wisconsin already has one of the country’s largest insurance pools for high-risk people. It’s funded by a tax on all health insurance in the state that’s not self-funded.
Under the new package, those with pre-existing conditions must be uninsured for at least 6 months. Premiums will run from $126 to $473 a month. And deductibles will range from $500 to $2,500.
Wisconsin is among 29 states and Washington D.C. which are running their own plans. The federal government administers similar plans for the other 21 states. To get more information on the Wisconsin plan, here’s a toll-free number to call – 1-888-253-2698.
