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What is a high-risk pool?
Thirty states have established government programs called "high-risk pools" that offer health insurance coverage to "uninsurable" residents whom private insurers might turn down because of their health status.
High-risk pools typically offer coverage similar to that sold by private insurers. However, in some states, high-risk pool benefits are limited. For example, these programs might impose high deductibles or limit coverage for certain services such as mental health care, laboratory services, maternity care, or even diabetes supplies.
High-risk pool premiums are always more expensive than coverage sold by private insurers. In most state high-risk pools, premiums are 1.5 to 2 times higher than those charged by private insurance companies. In addition, all state high-risk pools adjust premiums for age. This makes coverage especially expensive for people in their 50s or early 60s.
Some high-risk pools offer Medicare supplemental coverage for uninsurable residents enrolled in Medicare. In other states, being enrolled in Medicare disqualifies you from eligibility for the high-risk pool. Find out if there is a high-risk pool in your state.
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