Iowa children offered guaranteed-issue health insurance with new child-only rule

Beginning July 1, Iowa children will be offered guaranteed-issue health insurance once again with no need to be on a parent’s plan. Families may begin applying for this coverage now, but the deadline to obtain coverage is Aug. 14.

Last year, the Iowa Insurance Division created an open enrollment period for “child-only” policies to ensure all children would receive adequate insurance, even if they or their parents have serious health problems. The 2012 enrollment period will be from July 1 through Aug. 14 and will continue for another year, ending after the summer of 2013.

In 2014, health reform laws will allow all families to purchase guaranteed-issue, child-only policies at any time.

“For some families, child-only policies are the best option,” Iowa Insurance Commissioner Susan Voss said last year as the rule became effective. “We wanted to see insurers continuing to offer them as a choice for families. This open enrollment approach is being used in several states and works for the benefit of parents and kids across the state.”

To take advantage of this opportunity, families should seek the advice of a local, independent insurance agent.

“Children must be 18 years old or younger and be an Iowa resident,” said Jeff Maki of Clemon-Maki Insurance. “There are further eligibility requirements, which your local insurance agent can discuss.”