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Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Open enrollment for children in an individual health plan

Federal health reform prevents all health insurers from denying coverage to children under age 19 due to health issues.

However, all health plans - including individual health plans - can create open enrollment periods.

When you can enroll your children

Parents may add their children or buy an individual health insurance policy for their child during the following open enrollment dates:

  • March 15-April 30
  • Sept. 15-Oct. 31

Individual health coverage always starts on the 1st of the month. So if you want coverage to start the next month, you'll need to apply before the 20th.

Exceptions to open enrollment

You don't need to wait for open enrollment as long as you submit your child's application within 31 days of when the:

  • Child no longer qualifies for a state program
  • Child loses coverage due to a divorce
  • Parent's employer coverage (including COBRA) ends
  • Child moves and their plan isn't available in the new location

OR

  • You enroll within 60 days of the child's birth, adoption, or placement for adoption.

Options outside of open enrollment




Updated 04/09/2012

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Need more help? Call our FREE Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900
or Email us at cap@oic.wa.gov.