News Release

Statement from HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Jenny Backus on High-Risk Pool Program

HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Jenny Backus released the following statement today on the high-risk pool program:

"We are gratified by the response we have seen from the states regarding this important provision of the Affordable Care Act and look forward to working together to provide people who have been denied coverage for so long, access to some much needed relief through the creation of temporary high-risk pools. Whether states create these pools or the federal government creates them for states, the pools will be paid for by 100 percent federal dollars and most importantly --- uninsured people around the country will soon have access to another affordable coverage option.

“We value the input of our state partners and are heartened by the strong show of support we have seen already for getting the critical benefits of the Affordable Care Act to the American people as quickly as possible.  This is a very state-friendly law that is designed to give states the resources and flexibility they need to implement its provisions.

“We will work closely with the states in the coming weeks and months to help their residents - who have been denied coverage for too long - to finally have affordable options."

###

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last revised: January 03, 2011