How Can Adult Children Get Covered under Colorado Children's Health Insurance Laws?

If you're confused about the latest changes in Colorado children's health insurance, all I can say is "join the club." Ever since new healthcare laws began to phase in early last year, the amount of public confusion about this issue has been staggering. The first provision for children was a good one, preventing health insurance companies from refusing them coverage for pre-existing conditions. Not long after that, on September 23^rd2010, another law went into effect, allowing adult children through age 26 to be covered under their parents' health plans.

Healthcare reform laws have made it possible for adult dependants up to age 26 to be covered on their parents' plans. How will adding them back on the plan affect my current premiums?

Many of my clients have struggled with the decision to add their children back on their plans, especially those who are enrolled in individual health plans. Unlike an employer's group plan, individual health insurance may deny an adult dependent due to a pre-existing condition. You see, the law preventing kids from being denied for previous health problems only lasts until they turn 19. After that, they are treated like an adult, which means individual insurance premiums may become a lot higher when adding adult children onto your plan. On the other hand, if you are covered under an employers' group plan, adult children will not be treated any differently than any other dependent.

What if my teenager was previously covered by CHP+ Colorado children's health insurance?

When kids were previously covered by publicly funded Colorado children's health insurance, such as CHP+, they may be facing an even greater challenge, especially if their parents are currently uninsured and/or they have a preexisting condition. It's not that they cannot purchase an individual policy, but the cost of getting an individual plan with similar benefits as CHP+ will most likely be cost-prohibitive. The best-case scenario for a 19 year old in this situation would be to buy into a group plan for college students, or find a job that offers benefits.

If you are struggling with how to handle the health insurance needs for your high school graduate or college student, the Colorado health insurance brokers at Healthquotes.com will be able to help. HealthQuotes.com is very well-versed on recent legislation affecting Colorado children's health insurance. Michael Horvat is a health insurance expert and broker with HealthQuotes.comin Colorado Springs, CO. If you are searching for Colorado health insurance plans or quotes, please give Michael a call anytime at 800-345-0788.