Enrollment tops 20,000 in health reform's temporary high-risk pool

More than 21,000 individuals have enrolled in the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP), a temporary high risk health insurance pool established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to the most recent data from the Center For Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO).

As of April 30, there were 21,454 individuals enrolled in the PCIP nationwide, which is 3,141 more than were enrolled as of March 31. Nevertheless, the enrollment figures are far below the 5 million expected to enroll in the $5 billion program.

The CCIIO announced earlier this month that premiums in the PCIP will be reduced by as much as 40% in 18 states and that eligibility standards will be eased in 23 states and the District of Columbia to help more individuals with preexisting conditions sign up for the program.

The PCIP is designed to provide health insurance coverage for individuals who have been uninsured for six months and who have been denied a policy because they have preexisting conditions. The pool will run until Jan. 1, 2014, when American Health Insurance Exchanges take effect.

Pennsylvania had the highest number of enrollees (3,191), followed by California (1,858) enrollees, and Texas (1,528). North Dakota had the fewest number of enrollees.