News
Alpha-1 Foundation applauds removal of lifetime limits on medical coverage, coverage of children with pre-existing conditions
MIAMI—The Alpha-1 Foundation today applauded the removal of lifetime limits on coverage in all medical insurance plans under the provisions of the new healthcare reform law.
“The Alpha-1 Foundation is happy to see Alphas, many of whom require expensive therapies to prolong their health and lives, relieved of the burden of lifetime limits on coverage,” said John Walsh, Foundation president & CEO.
“We are also pleased that plans must cover children with a pre-existing medical condition. This can benefit many families with Alpha-1 children,” Walsh added.
Among the other provisions that went into effect Sept. 23, insurers must cover children up to age 19 with a pre-existing medical condition. New individual plans and all group plans—such as those you get at work—can’t refuse to cover a child.
Insurers must also allow parents to keep an adult child up to age 26 on their health plan and those young adults can’t be charged more than any other dependent. Some insurers began this policy early—during the summer.
The ban on lifetime limits for medical coverage applies to all medical plans, without exception. Annual limits on coverage will also be phased out gradually under the law.
The other provisions generally have exceptions for “grandfathered” plans – those that don’t make major changes from the previous plan year. The “grandfathered” plans don’t have to follow many of these requirements.
A summary of all the healthcare changes effective Sept. 23, and the exceptions allowed
