Twice in the past week, I've had to break the news to anxious parents: no, you can't insure your perfectly health minor child.
Hunh?!
Late last week, a gentleman called in looking for coverage for his 9 year old son. The family had been covered by CareSource, the local Medicaid insurer. Due to changing circumstances, the child was no longer eligible, and the parents needed to find alternate coverage for him.
No luck.
This morning, a worried grandmother called. Her 16 year old granddaughter is in the same boat: she will be taking custody of the young lady (we presume) in a month or so, which will render the teen ineligible to continue her current coverage.
Again, thanks to the (unintended?) consequences of ObamaCare©, they're out of luck.
In the first instance, I suggested to the young man who called that we write a policy for both him and his daughter; in the second case, this is not an option. Grandma's on Medicare, and you can't add a child to a Medicare supplement plan.
I did suggest to both of them that they contact the state SCHIP plan (called Healthy Start here in Ohio). This program, available at no cost to children up to age 19, families and some others, uses means testing to determine eligibility. It's possible that either (perhaps both) of these children will qualify.
The downside, of course, is that their coverage will be paid for by thee and me, not the parents or grandparents, as would be the case with a *real* health insurance plan. You're welcome.
Hunh?!
Late last week, a gentleman called in looking for coverage for his 9 year old son. The family had been covered by CareSource, the local Medicaid insurer. Due to changing circumstances, the child was no longer eligible, and the parents needed to find alternate coverage for him.
No luck.
This morning, a worried grandmother called. Her 16 year old granddaughter is in the same boat: she will be taking custody of the young lady (we presume) in a month or so, which will render the teen ineligible to continue her current coverage.
Again, thanks to the (unintended?) consequences of ObamaCare©, they're out of luck.
In the first instance, I suggested to the young man who called that we write a policy for both him and his daughter; in the second case, this is not an option. Grandma's on Medicare, and you can't add a child to a Medicare supplement plan.
I did suggest to both of them that they contact the state SCHIP plan (called Healthy Start here in Ohio). This program, available at no cost to children up to age 19, families and some others, uses means testing to determine eligibility. It's possible that either (perhaps both) of these children will qualify.
The downside, of course, is that their coverage will be paid for by thee and me, not the parents or grandparents, as would be the case with a *real* health insurance plan. You're welcome.
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