NEWS/ALERT 

*The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Consumer Alert - October 9, 2011

 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently become aware of a website that has the appearance of being an official government website for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.

This new website - http://preexistingconditioninsuranceplan.com - is not maintained by any government programs and consumers are strongly urged not to submit any personal information requested by this website under the assumption that it is a government website.

 CMS is taking the appropriate steps to protect consumers from being misled.

 The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan made available through the Affordable Care Act makes health insurance available to people who have had a problem getting insurance due to a pre-existing condition. 

 The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan:

• Covers a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs.
   

•  Does not charge you a higher premium just because of your medical condition.
   

• Does not base eligibility on income.

Individuals interested in the new federally backed pre-existing condition insurance program should visit: www.pcip.gov or call 866-717-5826.

*GCCOA Elects 2011/2012 Board Officers

The 2011/2012 Board Officers were elected at the July 12^th Meeting of the Board of Directors:

President            -              Brandon Salyers

Vice-President -              Ed O’Shaughnessy

Treasurer            -              Cathy Hill

Secretary             -              Ray Acus

Thank you to out-going Secretary Kim Boedeker who served two one-year terms in this position.