|  | Healthcare Industry | Health Insurance

Children's Health Insurance Issues

As children grow and develop, health insurance becomes increasingly crucial to their development. Vaccinations, seasonal colds and allergies, and regular checkups are all reasons children will need to see physicians. Yet, many children are uninsured and unable to receive the medical care they need. This, along with children with diseases and disabilities, are among the many health insurance issues affecting kids.

  1. Uninsured Children

    • The economic recession of 2008 saw many job losses and, consequently, many children lost health insurance through their parents' employers. In fact, according to the Alliance for Health Reform, "approximately 7.3 million children were uninsured in 2008." It also states that "2 out of 3 children were eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program." The Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act of 2010 mandates that all children between the ages of 6 and 19 receive Medicaid coverage by 2014. As a supplement, the Children's Health Insurance Program, a state-based program, is extended to 2019.

    Pre-existing Conditions

    • Parents of children born with diseases or disabilities--or who have acquired either--may have a difficult time finding health insurance for their children if they are uninsured. Many private insurers have policies that preclude children with pre-existing conditions. Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Act of 2010, private insurers must provide coverage for children with pre-existing conditions beginning in 2014. Among the debates is whether the act required private insurers to begin this coverage effective September of 2010. Some insurance carriers have continued to challenge the clarity of the legislation as it relates to when this coverage begins.

    Childhood Obesity

    • For many children who are obese, the absence of health insurance can be detrimental. Without insurance, obese children lose access to the medicine, counseling and referrals that can be administered by a physician. For those with insurance, the challenge is to adhere to insurance company policies on treating obese children, which can be limiting. The Childhood Obesity Demonstration Project authorized by Congress in 2008 allocated roughly $25 million for health insurance providers and personnel in the health industry to provide training and treatment for obese children.

Health Insurance - Related Articles