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Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner

News Release

Mike Kreidler
Washington Insurance Commissioner
Web page: www.insurance.wa.gov

For More Information, Contact:
Public Affairs: (360) 725-7055
Office of Insurance Commissioner

16-11

4/27/2011

Individual health plan enrollment for kids ends April 30

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Want to buy an individual health plan for your child? Don’t wait. You must enroll by April 30 or wait for the next enrollment period, Sept. 15-Oct. 31.

“I urge people who want insurance for their kids to apply by April 30,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “The next open-enrollment period is Sept. 15-Oct. 31. If you experience difficulty or have questions, call our Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900.”

The open enrollment periods apply to all health plans in the individual market. People buying individual coverage don’t have access to employer-sponsored health plans or their employer doesn’t cover dependents.

New consumer protections under federal health reform prevent health insurers from denying coverage to children with pre-existing health conditions.  However, just like employer health plans, the individual plans can create open-enrollment periods. During these times, children under age 19 do not have to complete a health questionnaire and cannot be denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition.

If you need a health plan for your children outside of the enrollment dates, you can apply either to the Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP), or if you qualify, to the new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP-WA). To enroll in PCIP-WA, you must have been uninsured for at least six months and have a pre-existing medical condition.

Exceptions where you can apply for individual coverage for your kids anytime include the birth or adoption of a child or if a child or the parent:

  • Is no longer eligible for a state program.
  • Loses coverage due to a divorce.
  • Loses employer-sponsored coverage (including COBRA).
  • Moves and their plan is not available where they now live.

In 2014, when the full federal health reforms take effect, no one of any age can be denied insurance because of a pre-existing condition.

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