The federal government has approved Pennsylvania’s application to offer a high-risk insurance program for uninsured individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions, state Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario announced on June 28.

“The Obama Administration has approved our plan to provide health insurance to thousands of Pennsylvanians who have been unable to obtain affordable coverage because of pre-existing conditions,” Ario said. “The program will provide critical bridge coverage to uninsured individuals between now and 2014, when the full implementation of federal reform will prohibit discrimination against individuals because of their health status.”

The state will receive $160 million to set up the program, which will provide coverage to as many as 5,600 people between now and 2014. The approved proposal can be accessed by visiting www.insurance.pa.gov and choosing the “Health Care Reform & You” link.

The plan’s benefit package will include preventive care, physician services, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, mental health services, prescription medications and much more, with subsidized premiums of $283 a month.

Ario said his department is moving as quickly as possible to start the program. The next step is to select the plan’s administrators, which is being done through a competitive bid process that is now underway. Interested parties may click on HRP solicitation for more information.

Once selected, the contractor or contractors will work with the Insurance Department to launch the program, including offering information on how to apply and eligibility requirements. The contractor(s) will manage the program and its benefits, as well as staff toll-free help lines to answer queries and assist with applications.