Major Risk Medical Insurance Program

What is the Major Risk Medical Insurance Program?

Major Risk Medical Insurance is insurance program provides health insurance for Californians unable to obtain coverage in the individual health insurance market because of their pre-existing conditions. Californians qualifying for the Major Risk Medical Insurance program participate in the cost of their coverage by paying premiums. The State of California supplements the insurance premiums to cover the cost of care in MRMIP. Tobacco tax funds currently subsidize the MRMIP.

When was the Major Risk Medical Insurance Program Created?

The Major Risk Medical Insurance Program was created in 1990.

Major Risk Medical Insurance program qualifications:

• California resident.
• Cannot be eligible for both Part A and Part B of Medicare, unless eligible solely because of end-stage renal disease.
• Cannot be eligible to purchase any health insurance for continuation of benefits under Cobra or CalCobra
• Unable to secure adequate coverage

Because of funding limitations, Major Risk Medical Insurance program sometimes has a wait list. For information on whether there is a wait list or a copy of the MRMIP Handbook & application, please call toll free 1-800-289-6574.

Insurance for Pregnant women

Uninsured pregnant mothers can apply for the Access for Infants and Mothers program. The Access for Infants and Mothers program provides low cost health insurance coverage to uninsured, middle income pregnant women. The total cost of the insurance is 1.5% of the subscriber's adjusted annual household income.

Access for Infants and Mothers program qualifications:

• Pregnant, but not more than 30 weeks pregnant, as of the application date.
• California resident.
• Not a recipient of no-cost MediCal or Medicare Part A and Part B benefits as of the application date.
• Uninsured or covered by private insurance with a separate maternity deductible or co-payment of more than $500.00
• Monthly household income within the Access for Infants and Mothers Income Guidelines.