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Child Health Insurance
Prior to the passing of the Health Reform Law, minors with pre-existing conditions could be denied child health insurance coverage. After the law was passed, children under 19 could no longer be turned away for benefits on a personal plan due to medical issues, however child health insurance quotes can be adjusted when there are medical issues.
Coverage Options for Children
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Family Coverage & Child Only Health Insurance for Kids
Many times, private coverage is the most affordable option for child health insurance. Medical coverage for kids is handled differently in each state, as noted below:- In certain states, insurers can provide children health insurance coverage year-round. Also, some carriers offer medical benefits on a single-subscriber basis only; in these cases, kids cannot be placed on a family policy, but would have to be covered on a child only health insurance plan.
- In other states, the opposite is true: Kids under 19 can enroll for a private plan only as dependents on a family plan; child health insurance only policies are not available except during specified open enrollment periods or in cases of a qualifying event, such as a new birth or adoption.
- In yet other states, carriers no longer offer child-only insurance plans.
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Dependent Coverage for Children on Group Medical Plans
Kids can be insured on their parents’ or legal guardian’s employer-sponsored program, if available. Eligibility is subject to the company’s medical policy. -
State-Federal Option
Eligible minors can also enroll under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (“CHIP”). This is a government-funded alternative for those whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) exceed the income thresholds for Medicaid or Medi-Cal, but are unable to afford private coverage.
Kaiser Permanente Child Health Plans
For low income families, the Kaiser Child Health Plan may be the most affordable. In 2011, rates can be as low as eight to fifteen dollars per month for each child. Restrictions apply based on annual income, family size and availability of the Kaiser Permanente child health insurance program. Click here for more information. Or, get quotes on standard Kaiser kids medical coverage by entering your ZIP code and clicking "GO" above.
Rate Ups on Kids Health Insurance Plans
Certain carriers now apply a surcharge or rate-up on child health insurance for kids with pre-existing conditions. Children under age 19 will not be denied, but they may have to pay a higher premium. The surcharge factor depends on the severity of the medical condition and will vary by state.
Coverage for kids on a job-related health plan is becoming more appealing due to the fact that, in most states, child health insurance policy rates are unaffected by medical conditions on employer-sponsored coverage. Moreover, group rates are often the same for a family with one child or multiple children. The more kids in the family, the more attractive a business health option could be.
How Do I Enroll Children on an Individual or Family Plan?
Child health insurance is a form of individual health insurance. If the insurer accepts family applications, then your child under 19 can enroll, provided that at least one parent or a legal guardian is approved for medical coverage. Some insurance companies accept child applications online but others require paper application. Check to see if special paperwork is required. When a qualifying event exists, you could avoid extra charges by providing supporting documentation that the insurance company might need.
If the child is required to apply on a single subscriber basis, it is more likely that you will need to enroll using a paper application. Instructions for enrollment can usually be found on the quote proposals. Otherwise, contact the insurance company or broker.
How Do I Apply for Kids on a Group Plan?
For children to qualify as dependents under a company plan, the employer of the parent or legal guardian needs to offer group medical coverage and the parent/guardian must qualify for the policy. Kids may enroll either during the employer’s open enrollment period or in a qualifying event situation, if applicable.
The group option could be more affordable. In most cases, carriers charge a flat fee for children regardless of medical history or number of kids in the family. Look into a business health plan especially if you have a newborn or if your family includes two or more children.
