Oregon Public Broadcasting

Idaho is one of the states that's challenging the constitutionality of the new federal health care overhaul. That hasn't stopped residents there from benefitting from one of its programs, aimed at covering people with pre-existing illnesses. Doug Nadvornick reports.

Beginning July first, people who can't get insurance because of pre-existing conditions can get coverage through what's known as a high-risk pool. That applies to U-S citizens and legal residents.

Washington and Oregon are administering the new federal plan through their state governments.

Idaho's state Insurance Department says many residents don't know they qualify too. But in the Gem State, it's administered through the federal government.

Across the border in Washington, Spokane insurance agent Robert Welk says many of his clients looking for more affordable health insurance are starting to ask questions about the new plan. He says they want to know if it's something they might qualify for.

But he says it's only something that works for a small percentage of his customers.

Robert Welk: "The high risk pool that's been set up by the federal government is really designed for the high-risk folks. It's not designed for the average consumer."

Welk says, because the new federal plan for people with pre-existing conditions is so new, there are still lots of questions about it and he says not enough answers.