KEY PROVISION: No child will be denied insurance based on pre-existing health conditions.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes new rules to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to children under the age of 19 when they have a pre-existing condition. Prior to September 23, 2010, families who sought health insurance for their children through the individual market (not through an employer) could be denied coverage based on their child's health. Coverage could be denied if a child had a condition such as asthma, cancer, diabetes or autism. Even families who had their children covered on their employer-sponsored plans could be denied payment for treatment related to the condition. This practice ended for health plan years starting on or after September 23, 2010.
Why this is important Children who are sick, especially with chronic illnesses such as asthma and diabetes, need access to health providers who can help them and their families manage their illness. Studies have shown that without coverage, children are less likely to access care until they are seriously ill. This provision of the ACA will allow children to receive care when they need it most.
What this means in New Hampshire In New Hampshire, this provision became law for health plan years starting on or after September 23, 2010. Some plans, however, are not required to comply with the new law. If you would like additional information about which plans are and are not required to comply, visit here:
