JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Feb. 25 -- The Missouri Department of Insurance issued the following news release:

The Missouri Department of Insurance and the Missouri Health Insurance Pool (MHIP) are reminding Missourians with health issues that they have until Saturday to submit applications for pre-existing condition health plans in the federal health insurance pool.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced last week that enrollment in MHIP's federal pool will end on March 2. Any applications received after this date will not be processed for the federal pool, but MHIP will continue to accept applications for enrollment in the state pool.

For more information about eligibility, federal or state plans, premiums and application forms, visit MHIP at mhip.org.

TNS 23SQ 130226-4217804 StaffFurigay