California Major Risk Medical Insurance Program

Only about 10,000 of nearly 300,000 qualified Californians will be able to participate in a new state insurance program for people with high-risk diseases that make them ineligible for private insurance coverage, according to program administrators. Officials of California's Major Risk Medical Insurance Program, which is to begin in January, said their annual budget of $30 million will severely limit the number of people who could benefit.

California has ousted Blue Shield, the state's second-largest not-for-profit health plan, from the state's high-risk medical insurance pool because its premiums were too high. The pool, known as the Major Risk Medical Insurance Program, or MRMIP, insures more than 6,700 Californians who have been shut out of the private health insurance market because of pre-existing conditions. Through MRMIP, such people are able to buy coverage from private insurers at premiums that are supposed to be 25% higher than the market rate for a comparable policy.

California has ousted Blue Shield, the state's second-largest not-for-profit health plan, from the state's high-risk medical insurance pool because its premiums were too high. The pool, known as the Major Risk Medical Insurance Program, or MRMIP, insures more than 6,700 Californians who have been shut out of the private health insurance market because of pre-existing conditions. Through MRMIP, such people are able to buy coverage from private insurers at premiums that are supposed to be 25% higher than the market rate for a comparable policy.

Only about 10,000 of nearly 300,000 qualified Californians will be able to participate in a new state insurance program for people with high-risk diseases that make them ineligible for private insurance coverage, according to program administrators. Officials of California's Major Risk Medical Insurance Program, which is to begin in January, said their annual budget of $30 million will severely limit the number of people who could benefit.

Magic Johnson's revelation that he is infected with the AIDS-causing virus has focused attention on the friction between California insurers and lawmakers over AIDS testing and the grounds for refusing coverage. Johnson's blood test was required as a condition of a life insurance policy that the Lakers wanted to buy to protect their interest in a large loan to Johnson.

WALLACE ALBERTSON Trustee emeritus, L.A. Community College District We need a national health care plan and if Congress weren't full of such chicken-hearted gutless wonders, they'd have passed one long ago. I have three health coverage programs and am generally in good health, yet I still pay at least several hundred dollars per year for health care.

I need help finding affordable health insurance. I got insurance through California's Major Risk Medical Insurance Program in 1991 after having breast cancer. My premiums are now a whopping $1,209 each month! I have not had any cancer issues since the original bout, but I have been reluctant to change policies (assuming that I could find one). Can you help me find something more affordable? It's smart to be cautious about changing plans, particularly given your medical history.

Altadena resident Mike Freas was twice rejected for health coverage by Anthem Blue Cross because of a preexisting condition, forcing him into a costly state-run program intended to serve as the insurer of last resort for people turned away by the private sector. Yet now he finds himself in the strange position of sending Anthem a check for about $500 each month. Why? Because it turns out that Anthem Blue Cross also quietly serves as the administrator of the state insurance plan.

Dale Berman doesn't just have a rooting interest in the Supreme Court upholding the healthcare reform law. You could say his life depends on it. Berman, 54, of Burbank is a freelance photographer who has hadCrohn's diseasehis entire life. Crohn's is a severe intestinal disorder that can cause intense pain and a variety of complications. Berman has had to undergo three operations and has been hospitalized on numerous occasions. He's also watched as his insurance costs have steadily increased over the years, forcing him to seek refuge in government programs for "high-risk" patients who are unable to receive affordable coverage from private-sector insurers.

Question: I'm a restaurant and janitorial supply distributor who has been in business for two years with continual growth. I would like to acquire another, similar business to further that growth. I have found some companies for sale, but I need funding. Can I get a Small Business Administration loan for this purpose? Answer: Lenders that specialize in SBA-guaranteed loans are known as "cash flow lenders."