The new federally funded Montana high risk pool has received 49 applications for coverage and approved 10.
The other applications are pending for further review or approval, officials say.
The Montana Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA), Helena, Mont. – the entity that has been running Montana’s exist, single-state health coverage arrangement for residents with health problems that make them “uninsurable” – began accepting applications for a new plan that is part of the federal Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) program July 1.
MCHA officials say individuals who get approval for their applications by Aug. 1 will have coverage in place by Aug. 15.
MCHA administrators have handled about 250 calls from consumers and others asking about the program since July 1, and the MCHA webiste has been getting more visitors than usual, officials say.
In Montana, program applications are designed so that applicants can apply for both the Montana PCIP risk pool and Montana’s existing risk pool.