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Premium rates for people covered under THIRP


are based on age, sex, and smoker/nonsmoker status. These premium rates are substantially higher than the standard market rates found in Texas.


Elements of the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan To be eligible for the program, a person must meet the following criteria:


• Be a citizen or otherwise legally residing in the United States.


• Be uninsured for at least the last 6 months. Per- sons currently insured or enrolled in THIRP are not eligible.


• Have a preexisting condition, as determined by HHS or have been denied coverage because of a preexisting condition.


People covered under PCIP will not be subject to


preexisting condition exclusions. Premium rates for people covered under PCIP are based only on the age of the insured person. These premium rates are con- sidered standard market rates. For more information on the Texas High Risk Insur-


Every 9-1/2 minutes someone in the US is


ance Pool, call (888) 398-3927, or log on to www .txhealthpool.org. Additional information about the Pre-existing Con- dition Insurance Plan can be obtained by calling (866) 717-5826 or logging on to www.pcip.gov.


infected with HIV. The CDC recommends


routine HIV testing in medical care settings for patients 13 to 64 years old.


Warren Cooper is TMA’s director of health care delivery systems.


Editor’s Note: This is the latest in a continuing series by TMA staff experts on what the new health system reform law means to physicians and patients.


Learn more at www.testtexashiv.org


Routine HIV testing is the first line of defense against HIV and AIDS.


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