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Six months to the day of the signing, there's health care for some



By Dian Vujovich

Well, you’ve got to hand to the Prez as portions of his health care legislation have begun. And not a minute to soon for many in need.

I am amazed, however, at the high number of people who thought nothing was going to happen health-care wise for a number of years. Or that the legislation is unfair and too expensive. These happen to be the same people who don’t care for the president, believe health care is a privilege that ought only be extended to those who can afford it, and don’t want taxes to rise even though our deficit would be through the roof even if health reform weren’t put into play. Go figure.

That said, how could anyone really complain much about what health care changes went into effect today. Like, coverage for adult dependents up to age 26. Believe it or not, some states already mandate coverage even longer—to age 28 or 29.

There is a catch to that adult dependent coverage, however. If the adult dependent has access to other employer-based health coverage—via their own employer, for instance— they won’t be eligible under mom or dad’s plan. So no cherry-picking allowed.

Then there is the no denying coverage to kids under age 19 with pre-exiting conditions. That’s good, right?

Keep in mind many of the new requirements have start dates that coincide with your existing health plan. If your plan begins on Jan. 1, for instance, that’s when the changes will become effective.

Then there’s the “grandfather” clause. Some plans won’t change if they meet grandpa’s requirements. But, the grandfather clause could be lost if an insurance company gets too greedy and either cuts benefits or increases out-of-pocket expenses too much.

Yes, there are always ways around everything. Back to the kids: I learned today that some insurers have decided not to sell new child-only individual insurance policies going forward. That way they, the insurance company, won’t have to worry about being stuck paying what could be the insanely high health care costs of covering someone who has a sickly child.

How do some people sleep at night?


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