AHIA Applauds State High Risk Pool Funding Law
For Immediate Release
Contact: Caitlin Kubler 703/770-8251, CKubler@naifa.org
February 6, 2006
FALLS CHURCH, VA - The Association of Health Insurance Advisors (AHIA), the health insurance division of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), applauds the Senate and the House of Representatives for approving legislation that extends funding for state high-risk pools.
Representative John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) introduced the State High Risk Pool Funding Extension Act in August of 2005, which gained approval from the House. "AHIA has supported Shadegg since his introduction, and we are very excited about the new law," comments AHIA President, Debra C. Newman, CLU, ChFC, LTCP.
State risk pools allow for the purchase of adequate health insurance for those uninsured because of a pre-existing health condition or other conditions related to their health. "Everyone should have the right to purchase coverage. The expansion of state risk pools will help to reduce the number of uninsured Americans" states Newman.
The new bill provides $15 million in seed grants, available to states without high-risk pools. The money is distributed in the form of a one time $1million grant to create a pool. The bill also provides financial assistance for existing high-risk pools.
Now awaiting President Bush's signature, the soon to be law is a victory for people who haven't been able to purchase health care. "This is a great accomplishment that AHIA supports proudly", states Newman. "It is a great feeling for agents to be able to tell their clients that there is coverage for them."
AHIA's mission is to sustain and improve the business environment for NAIFA federation members who market a broad range of health-related products and services. AHIA advocates on issues that impact members involved in the sale of group and individual health-related products, including major medical, disability, long-term care, critical illness and Medicare supplement insurance.
