This is a big first for the nation. The federal government unveiled a new health plan for Americans who have been denied health coverage because of their medical history.
The plan will be open to any U.S. citizen who has been uninsured for at least six months because of a pre-existing condition.
$5 billion of federal funds will support the health plans. Patients will pay a premium about equal to a standard individual policy. Coverage will include primary care, specialists and hospital stays.
Officials say Americans with medical conditions have been denied coverage for too long.
"Every single citizen in the country will have an opportunity if they currently don't have insurance," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
Enrollment should begin by the end of August. The program is a stopgap until 2014 when it becomes illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
