Important changes to health care coverage are now the law. As long as you pay your premiums every month, the insurance company can not drop coverage for you or your family simply because you get sick. Insurance companies will no longer be able to place lifetime limits on benefits.  Not only can they not limit lifetime care, but insurance companies are restricted in their ability to set yearly limits.

Children can not be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Parents can keep their children on their policies until the child reaches the age of 26.

Lastly, we now have the right to choose a physician.  Insurance companies will not be able to  keep up us from choosing a primary treating physician for ourselves or our children. Women can now see an Ob-Gyn without a referral from the primary treating physician.

The response from the insurance industry has been mixed. It has been reported that in response to requiring coverage for children, insurance companies will no longer offer policies to cover them.

by Lisa Ivancich

The Health Care Reform Legislation recently passed in Washington DC will significantly impact our clients.  By October 1, 2010, Insurance Carriers will be required to offer insurance coverage for dependents up to age 26.  So, your children will now be eligible to stay on your insurance until they are 26.  No longer do your children need to stay in school to be covered. Coverage now is based upon solely on age. It is also important to note that marriage is not a factor that would exclude your children from your policy. As long as your child is under age 26, they can be covered on your health plan, whether they are married or not. The spouse of your child would not be eligible for coverage.

For our younger clients who do not have health insurance, it is important to discuss coverage options with your parents. Changes to the Workers’ Compensation Laws have made it difficult to get much needed medical care on a timely basis. Sometimes coverage through private health insurance is necessary to obtain treatment. The Health Care Reform Legislation may make a difference.

Lisa E. Ivancich

Target is having a special promotion for their optical service. This promotion can end at any time and will definitely end by April 29th.
Parents of children 12 years and younger can get a free pair of glasses from Target. All you need to do is bring in a valid prescription for glasses from their doctor and Target will let the child pick from around 40 different frames. Target will place their best lenses in the frame which are non-glare and scratch resistant that normally sell for $200. There are no income guidelines so any child 12 years or younger is eligible. You may find Target stores with optical departments at www.target.com and call and confirm that they are participating in this promotion before making a trip to the store.