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Missouri residents who are having trouble obtaining affordable health insurance should research the Missouri Health Insurance Pool, or MHIP.

What is the Missouri Health Insurance Pool?

The MHIP is a program designed to help Missouri residents who can not find affordable health insurance, and who do not qualify or are not covered under any other kind of health insurance plan.

The MHIP offers inpatient and outpatient hospital care; physician care; care from other medical professionals; special health services and supplies; and prescription drug coverage.

Who sponsors the Missouri Health Insurance Pool?

The MHIP came into effect in 1991 thanks to the Missouri General Assembly. It also operates under the Assembly's rules. However, the MHIP is administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City.

Who is eligible for the Missouri Health Insurance Pool?

The MHIP is open to all Missouri residents depending on eligibility requirements, but those residents who have pre-existing health conditions and can not seem to find a health insurance company that will sell them an individual health insurance policy should be especially interested in MHIP because while there are stipulations on pre-existing conditions, the stipulations of the MHIP's policy on pre-existing conditions can be waived in certain circumstances.

Those Missouri residents who are not eligible for MHIP include those who are eligible for other kinds of health insurance plans and programs such as a regular health insurance plan, a state-sponsored health insurance plan, Medicaid, Medicare, and COBRA.

If the MHIP has already paid out $1 million in health care costs to an individual, he or she is no longer eligible. The same is true for individuals who are ineligible for health insurance policies due to alcohol and substance abuse.

How do I find out more information about the Missouri Health Insurance Pool?

Contact the Missouri Department of Insurance, or visit the Missouri Health Insurance Pool official Web site.