IMPORTANT NOTICE
YOUR TEXAS HEALTH INSURANCE POOL COVERAGE IS ENDING
With implementation of health insurance reform well under way, Texas Health Insurance Pool (THIP) members, like you, will soon have new options for coverage.
As of January 1, 2014, you can no longer be denied a health insurance policy because of your pre-existing health condition, and you are guaranteed coverage at the same premium rate as others your age.
As a result of these changes, the THIP program will no longer be needed and will soon cease operations. THIP health insurance coverage will end at midnight December 31, 2013.
Beginning October 1, 2013, you will be able to purchase a health insurance policy through a new online Marketplace at Healthcare.gov, or directly from an insurance company, for coverage starting January 1, 2014. Either way you shop for new coverage, you can get professional assistance from a licensed health insurance agent at no additional cost.
If you purchase a policy through Healthcare.gov, you may qualify for tax credits to help pay your premiums and subsidies to lower your out-of-pocket health care costs. These tax credits and subsidies are available only if you purchase coverage through the Marketplace. At Healthcare.gov, you will see multiple policies and prices from various insurance companies, making it easier to compare plans and select the one that best suits your needs. Your new coverage can begin as early as January 1, 2014, provided you enroll by December 15, 2013. If you enroll after December 15, you will have a gap in coverage.
Enhanced benefits, such as no lifetime maximum and 100% coverage for certain preventive care services, will be available to you through all new health insurance policies offered both on and outside the Marketplace. Also, all policies will cover a comprehensive range of benefits, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and prescriptions. It is very important that you prepare now for your new insurance coverage. Mark your calendar to start shopping for a new policy on October 1st. If you have any questions about this notice, please call THIP Customer Service at 1.888.398.3927, or email us at: [email protected]. To learn more about your new coverage options, visit www.healthcare.gov or call 1.800.318.2596 for more information.