Some health reform relief begins today, and families breath a little easier

Some of the most important provisions of health reform go into effect today!  Children are the big winner here:  they will be able to stay on insurance plans as dependents up to age 26; they don’t have to worry about lifetime benefit limits for care; and they will not be excluded from coverage based on preexisting conditions.

Unfortunately, five of the largest health insurers have decided to stop selling new child-only individual health plans (existing plans will still be serviced).  Though only a small number of children are covered through such plans,  and those children can usually be covered through family plans, it is troubling to see very profitable insurance companies trying to skirt the intention of health reform.  Voices has accepted the Connecting Kids to Coverage Challenge to help enroll children in health services above and beyond what is required by the law.