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# Seniors Now Can Search for Health Insurance They Need
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/health_insurance_0310100242/
- Published: 2010-10-03T15:39:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T15:45:46.000Z
- Description: The federal healthcare.gov site now runs a search tool that asks your state, household situation, Medicare status, medical conditions and ability to pay, then lists matching options — private plans for individuals, families and small businesses, or public programs such as Medicaid.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Healthcare, Health News, Health Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, #vivvo-import

Now that some provisions of the healthcare reform law or the Affordable Care Act have become effective, the federal government has set up a site at healthcare.gov to help citizens find the best health insurance policy best suited for their needs.

The site claims that the health insurance search engine will help consumers find the health insurance they need, whether it's private insurance for individuals, families and small businesses or public programs that may work for the consumers.

To use the search engine, the user will need to provide the website with the following information:

**1) The state you live in;**

**2) Who do you represent, family/children, healthy individual, individual with medical condition, pregnant women, person with disability, senior, young adult, small employer/self-employed?**

**3) Your situation, which can be one of the following**

A. I have medicare and want to know how the new health law will help me;

B. I don't have medicare and want to know other health insurance options;

C. I want to know more about health insurance for benefits that are not covered by medicare;

D. How do I get medicare?

I can't afford paying for my costs under medicare;

E/ I need help paying for long term care.

**4) Do you have any condition? You have the following option:**

A. Medical condition or health problem;

B. Disability

C. Breast or cervical cancer;

D. Dependent under 21;

E. Nursing home or long term care;

F. Special healthcare need;

G. Veteran status;

H. American Indian or Alaskan Native.

**5) Do you find it hard to afford health insurance? Choose "yes" or "No".**

For example, a senior who lives in California, has medical conditions, and has been using medicare, but wants to know more about what the system may help is given the following four options.

Medicaid - Medicaid provides coverage for low income children, families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Pregnant women may qualify with higher incomes.

Pre-existing condition insurance plan )PCIP\_/high Risk Pool - You may qualify for a pre-existing condition insurance plan or a high risk pool, which helps people who have a hard time getting insurance find coverage.

Health Insurance Plans for individuals and families - If you do not have job-based or other coverage, you may want to buy a policy from a private insurer.

Finding care you can afford - There may be local facilities that provide free or reduced-cost care, whether you’re insured or not. What you pay depends on your income.

**Now if the person chooses** the second option because he or she has some pre-exiting condition, then he or she is given two options:

1) Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)

2) Additional State High Risk Pool (HRP) Plan: California Major Risk Medical Insurance Program

**If the first option is applicable**, then you will get the following:

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan: California

In August, eligible residents of California will be able to apply for coverage through the state’s Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan program run by the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board.

To qualify for coverage:

 \* You must be a citizen or national of the United States or lawfully present in the United States.

 \* You must have been uninsured for at least the last six months before you apply.

 \* You must have had a problem getting insurance due to a pre-existing condition.

The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will cover a broad range of health benefits, including 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.

Premium: $575 for a 50 year old subscriber in San Francisco

Deductible: $1,500

Out of Pocket Limit: $2,500

To request an application for this program, please email your name and mailing address to FHRP@mrmib.ca.gov or mail this information to the address below:

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan

California Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board

P.O. Box 2769

Sacramento, CA 95812-2769

**If the second option is applicable**, you will be taken to http://www.mrmib.ca.gov/

(The content mostly comes from the healthcare.gov)