New health care plan in place

Indiana, Illinois (WTHI) - Hoosiers can now apply for one of the new health care reform laws

The health care reform became law in mid-March of this year. Now, some Hoosiers can take advantage of the law and receive insurance coverage.

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is now in place for those who want it. It's aimed at helping those of you who have been denied coverage in the past.

In fact, the government allocated $5-billion for states to support the program.

It may seem like a lot of money, but funds are limited in each state and enrollment could be capped depending on how quickly the programs fill up.

Indiana received $93-million for the program and Hoosiers can start applying for eligibility now.

To qualify for the coverage you must be a U.S. citizen, you must have been uninsured for at least the last 6 months, and you must have had a problem getting insurance due to a pre-existing condition.

Indiana is also one of 22 states that agreed to have their program federally run.

Illinois, along with 28 other states chose to run this program themselves and not by the federal government.

Illinois received $196-million for the program.

The same qualifications for eligibility in Indiana apply in Illinois.

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will cover a broad range of health benefits. It includes primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. All covered benefits are available for you, even if it's to treat a pre-existing condition.

Keep in mind, this program is only available for four years; it will end on January 1, 2014.

This insurance plan is aimed at providing coverage to about 200,000 people nationwide.

Now to find out how to apply and how much your premiums will cost in Indiana and in Illinois click here .