Pre-existing condition exclusions are banned for dependent children less than 19 years of age, effective immediately.

Prior to the passage of federal health care reform, children under 19 who had pre-existing conditions could be subject to a waiting period before claims related to that condition were paid. Under the new law, this practice is illegal. This takes effect upon renewal filing September 23, 2010 for existing plans and on October 1 for new. In the years to come, pre-existing condition exclusions will be banned for everyone, regardless of geographic location, age, gender, and health.

Resources:

• Bill Summary -  Pre-Existing Exclusion Periods