HOUSTON -- New healthcare regulations are set to take effect September 23 and there are many changes.
Some of the biggest changes for families with children are:
• Kids can stay on their parents' coverage until they're 26, if they don't have access to health coverage
• Children can't be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions
• Sick children cannot be dropped from insurance plans
But some health care experts, like the University of Houston's Patricia Gray, warn that insurance coverage may change.
"Some insurance companies have been fighting these provisions and some are dealing with it by dropping their child-only policies," said Gray.
There will be changes for adults, too. Insurance companies can't drop sick people from their plans, and in 2014, adults can't be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions.
And, effective this year for everyone, there can be no lifetime caps for coverage.
Many people will not see a change in their coverage until their policy renews, and that’s usually during open enrollment. If you’re buying an insurance plan, the changes will go into effect immediately.
Patricia Gray said that all insurance companies have to follow the new law.
Yet, while healthcare reform has passed, not all of the rules have been written to clarify what the new law means. So, if you have questions you should call your insurance company.
