Free Webinars Explain Inclusive Health - Health Insurance for the Uninsured and Hard-to-Insure

Nov. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- A new series of free, online webinars will give interested individuals throughout the state more information about Inclusive Health – the North Carolina Health Insurance Risk Pool. For a schedule of upcoming webinars and registration information, visit www.ihwebinar.com.

The state of North Carolina created Inclusive Health as an affordable option for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions who lack access to group coverage or other government programs like Medicare or Medicaid. It also covers North Carolinians who have exhausted or can’t afford COBRA and trade displaced workers. Inclusive Health also administers the temporary federal high risk pool known as the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Pool or PCIP, introduced by the Affordable Care Act. It targets individuals who have been without insurance for at least six months. With rates for both programs established by law, premiums are designed to be lower than traditional insurance for individuals with medical conditions.

The one-hour event will give an overview of Inclusive Health — who’s eligible and how to enroll. A question and answer period will follow.

For more information, contact Kipling Godwin, Inclusive Health representative, at 910-840-6743 or kip@kiplinggodwin.com.

ABOUT
What is Inclusive Health?
The North Carolina General Assembly created the North Carolina Health Insurance Risk Pool in 2007. Inclusive Health, also known as the North Carolina Health Insurance Risk Pool (NCHIRP), provides affordable, individual health insurance coverage for North Carolinians who do not have access to an employer health plan and face higher premiums due to a pre-existing medical condition. It will also offer coverage to individuals who are eligible for enrolled in or exhausting COBRA or state continuation coverage or qualify due to loss of employment due to the effects of international trade under the Health Coverage Tax Credit.

Inclusive Health also provides coverage to individuals who have lost their jobs due to the effects of international trade and are eligible for the health coverage tax credit under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. This includes Department of Labor certified TAA or Alternative TAA eligibles. It also includes those who receive benefits from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and are at least 55 years old.

Organization
Inclusive Health started offering coverage on January 1, 2009. Inclusive Health is a non-profit entity. It is not part of the state government but operates under the supervision and control of its Board. Its Executive Director is Michael Keough.

Governed by a Board
Inclusive Health is governed by a 12-member board, including the Commissioner of Insurance and 11 members appointed by the Commissioner of Insurance, Governor, Speaker of the House, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. The meetings will be held at the NC Institute of Medicine.

CONTACT
Kipling Godwin
Inclusive Health, Licensed Representative
910-840-6743
kip@kiplinggodwin.com
http://www.ihwebinar.com

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Kipling Godwin & Associates, Inc., based in Whiteville, North Carolina, is a full-service, professional consulting firm offering a variety of products and services including planning, marketing, and public relations.