The Department of Health and Human Services today published an interim final rule implementing a temporary program to provide affordable health insurance coverage to uninsured individuals with pre-existing conditions. Required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) program will continue until Jan. 1, 2014, when the PPACA's health insurance exchanges become available. Effective today, the rule addresses issues such as PCIP administration, eligibility, enrollment, benefits, premiums, funding, appeals and oversight. Among other provisions, the rule provides that a PCIP must not offer enrollees premiums at a rate that exceeds 100% of the standard individual market rate in its service area. HHS will accept comment on the rule through Sept. 28.