State Official Orders Insurance Company To Sell Insurance To Children

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http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/10/state-official-orders-insurance-company-to-sell-insurance-to-children.php

Washington's insurance commissioner stepped in today to force Regent Blue Shield -- the state's largest provider of insurance to children -- to keep selling children-only health care plans.

"Regence is in clear violation of state law that prohibits insurers from denying insurance to people on the basis of age," reads a statement from Mike Kreidler. "I was shocked and deeply disappointed when Regence announced its decision last week to stop selling insurance to kids."

One of the earliest-implemented -- and most popular -- provisions of the new health care law forbids insurance companies from denying coverage to children with preexisting conditions. Rebelling against the policy, insurance companies have threatened or attempted to stop selling children-only plans. New Hampshire's insurance commissioner likewise stepped in to block the maneuver.

To prevent the "free-rider" problem, where parents would buy insurance policies for their children after they get sick, the law provides for a brief open-enrollment period, during which children can get insurance without first getting a medical screening. With four days notice, Regence informed Kreidler that the company would eliminate children's plans.


Insurance Commissioner Tells Regence They Have To Issue Child-Only Policies
http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2010/10/insurance_commissioner_tells_r.php


http://www.insurance.wa.gov/news/2010/10-15-2010.shtml