The Department of Insurance says the high-risk insurance pool was created about a year ago with federal funds available for paying claims. Spokesman Travis Ford says over the past year, the department has had to figure out what rates should be, and as a result, the rates have dropped 23 percent.

Rates are anywhere from 161 to 601 dollars depending on age. Anyone with a pre-existing condition who has not had insurance for six months is qualified for this coverage. Ford says there’s room for more recipients. There are currently about 550 recipients, and Ford says there’s room for about 2,500.

Ford says the pool is funded by premiums, not state tax dollars, and the money that comes from the federal government is to pay claims. Those interested can apply at mhip.org.

(AUDIO) Allison Blood reports on the high-risk insurance pool. Mp3 1:03