Policy & Practice

Grants Aimed at Risk Pools

CMS has awarded more than $49 million in grants to 30 states that provide health insurance to residents who cannot get conventional health coverage because of their health status. The grants will be used by the states to offset losses from the operation of their high-risk pools, which are typically state-created nonprofit associations that offer health coverage to individuals with serious medical conditions. Grant funds also provide support for disease management of chronic conditions and premium subsidies for individuals with lower incomes. More than 200,000 individuals are enrolled in state high-risk pools, according to CMS. Funds were allocated based on the number of uninsured individuals in each state and the number of people enrolled in each pool, CMS said.