HC Law Forces Some Insurers to Drop Children-Only Coverage
- Posted on September 21, 2010 at 11:46am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
- Print »
- Email »
The liberal group Health Care for America Now (HCAN) announced yesterday that insurers in four states have decided to discontinue children-only coverage days before new requirements forbid insurers from dropping children with pre-existing conditions.
Some parents had been buying children-only plans as a cheaper alternative to including them on the family insurance plan, according to The Hill. Instead of being locked in to covering those children, however, some insurers in California, Colorado, Ohio and Missouri have cut the service entirely. Those insurers include WellPoint, Cigna, and CoventryOne.
HCAN Executive Director Ethan Rome issued a statement decrying the decision and framing it as a moral debate: “The latest announcement by the insurance companies that they won’t cover kids is immoral, and to blame their appalling behavior on the new law is patently dishonest.”
The Washington Post explains, however, that the insurance companies aren’t making a blanket decision to not cover children. Instead, the insurers who are dropping the child-only plans will still honor existing child-only policies and will also accept children with preexisting conditions in new family policies.
CoventryOne spokesman Matthew D. Eyles told the Post that the insurer was facing “unique challenges that could undermine our ability to offer value and meet our continued obligations to existing policyholders.”
Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for the group America’s Health Insurance Plans, added that child-only policies provide “a very powerful incentive for a parent to wait until their child becomes very sick before purchasing coverage.” Should that trend prove true, the Post notes, it could “either bankrupt[] the plans or forc[e] insurers to make up their losses by substantially increasing premiums for all customers.”
But the business predicament created by the new health care law seems lost to Rome: “This offensive behavior by the insurance companies is yet another reminder of why the new law is so important and why the Republicans’ call for repeal is so misguided.”
Popular Stories
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 709 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 561 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 381 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 371 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 363 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 371 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 381 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 307 Comments- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 149 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 371 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (62)
Progressive-ANTIdote
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 2:15pmThis is the reason that we’re in big trouble: EVEN IF we are able to eventually repeal this MONSTER health care bill…. it will have already done it’s damage.
It may very well destroy the mechanisms of free enterprise WHILE it’s waiting to be IMPLEMENTED fully… and by EVEN the THREAT of these regulations going into effect… is doing it’s work, but creating hysteria, panic, and self-preservation actions on the part of the insurance companies…
The insurance companies – even as much as we LOVE to LOATH them, are an institution that is in business to MAKE money. When they don’t or CANNOT make money – they will cease operations and do something else.
We are in big trouble. We better make sure this NOV 2 – is a HUGE referendum on this nonsense or we are not going to have any chance of reversing this trend for many decades. We are on the razor’s edge of destruction – the likes of which we neither understand or want.
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 2:14pmIt just occurred to me, looking at this picture for the second time, of the smug smile and triumphant sneer on the face of the Nancy witch, that she is actually wielding that gavel like a club! Did anyone else get that impression?
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 6:41pmmakes you want to take the gavel and just backhand her with it, she is too arrogant and satisfied she’s played such a huge part in the destruction of America. she was doing everything she could to provoke an incident. VOTE VOTE VOTE is all we can do — for now.
Report Post »printdesignchicago.com
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 2:13pmREMEMBER IN NOVEMBER! remember who did this to us. remember who is trying to tear this country apart.
PROGRESSIVE MONSTERS!
Report Post »drconstitutionalconservative
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 1:58pmOne facet of Obama-care is that Reid and Pelosi planned into it, eliminating insurance companies, and especially the Medi-Care programs for all Americans. IN their place, the government plan has EVERYONE put into FEDERAL MEDI-CAID. The difference in both is such: Medi-care, a federal program that YOU have paid into through payroll and other ‘tax’ inputs, that handles 80 percent of YOUR health care coasts, along with a supplemental insurance YOU purchase to offset the 20 percent NOT paid for by the government. Medi-Caid, a program in that you are completely covered for health care, BUT, if you decease with holdings, the GOVERNMENT comes after those holdings, trieds to extort those expended funds be repaid by your beneficiaries for them to regain their inheritance. I just saw one of these Medi-Caid take overs here, Nevqada Medi-Caid, property assessed to be valued at $9,000.00, mobile home, extortion of Medi-Caid against the estate/beneficiaries, $154,900.00. NOBDY’s that stupid to pay that much for somethning not
Report Post »worth a low percentage of the medical bills. this Medi-Caid scheme was devised so the federal government could take over more property/holdings from deceased people when their beneficiaries refused to be forced into paying the high prices to get the estate back. Greedy government of the left at work aqain, remember Princess Pelosi, “We have to pass this bill before we can find out what is in this bill”. Sure, Princess, just keep packing for your permanent return to The Democratik Republica de Kalifornia.
chazman
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 1:57pmWhen I see this picture of this STUPID broad with that over-sized gavel I just want to take it away from her and play ‘order in the court’ on her forehead with it!
Report Post »v.o.t.e.
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 4:21pmlol
Report Post »flamingliberal
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 1:29pmJust another data point showing WHY Health-care (Like Police, Fire and the Military) should NOT be a public enterprise. Allowing ‘For-Profit’ companies to run our Health-care, is asinine. At the VERY least ALL HC providers should be non-profit, and follow the model of the Mayo or Cleveland clinics, and return 85-90 cents of EVERY dollar to their patient population in actual HEALTH-CARE delivered…NUFF-said….
Report Post »v.o.t.e.
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 4:03pmLets have this discussion 11/3– your entitled to your opinion and i’m entitled to disagree– the government can’t run a post office— a freakin post office —- the mistake most elite liberals make and its very fundamental— any utopian world would still have to be run by human beings– the good lord did not make us anything near perfect– so in my opinion i would agree with your worldview if it was for robots– but since people are involved we better leave it to the people to run healthcare– fyi– in case you missed it— america has the best healthcare in the world—- best— number 1 etc– don’t bring it down
Report Post »v.o.t.e.
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 4:07pmfyi– when did the feds start running police and fire— also the military is not a company—- please wrap your rant more tightly
Report Post »The Bees
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 1:16pmWhat is misguided is the notion that you are going to keep costs down by covering things not previously covered.
It has been clear since this regime took office that they don’t understand simple business practices.
This kind of Health care reform will bankrupt insurance companies and send the cost of Health care skyrocketing!
Report Post »JD Carp
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 1:06pmHow much more is this going to cost us now that it’s free?
Report Post »powhatan
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:51pmlooks like the Gulag Archipelago is around the corner….
Report Post »Spokavriel
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:48pmThis law will eventually “Break the back” to use Obama’s colloquialism of insurance companies making it so only the Federal insurance is left. And then anyone to get ill will be trapped in the slavery of this new law.
Report Post »valricoslash
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:46pmIf anybody’s work provided health insurace actually goes down, I would like to know. From what I have been reading most companies are raisng what employees pay while at the same time reducing their health benefits.
Report Post »gbandy
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:45pmConsidering even Madame Pelosi did not even read the Bill I am sure “we ain’t seen nothing yet” of all the surprised and bonuses of this Bill. One thing for sure it will cost trillions to empliment and we will pay the bill.
Report Post »van
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:30pmAmerica, wake up and Vote in November, these people are dangerous!
Report Post »bhodson
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:30pmIt’s sad that it took this long. Blame the enormous bloated size of the bill itself. What was it, 2400 pages? Someone fact check that, I don’t want to misinform anyone. Part of what’s caused Tea Parties and Congress approval ratings to the sub-20′s is that fact that it took lawyers to write the stupid thing, and then it takes Insurance Co’s to hire lawyers to interpret it. How much cheaper would insurance be without all this legalistic crap?? Just defend our country, our boarders, and stay the HELL out of our lives!!
Report Post »Time 2 Revolt
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:54pmAmen!
Report Post »Freelancer
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 1:07pmWhat was it…. I can’t remember exactly but I think it only took 27 HAND WRITTEN pages to establish the entire federal government. Now we need to have a small forest destroyed so that they can print the massive health care bill.
Report Post »ALL4114ALL
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 4:09pmDon’t forget, the unions, community orgs, private interests, etc needed to get in their 2 cents…. or 2bil cents as in this case.
Report Post »dressseller
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 4:23pmBHODSON. Please run for President. I really like your platform. Especially the ‘stay the hell out of our lives’ part. Government is way too big ..way too intrusive ..and way too arrogant. I just wish someone with some real and solid common sense and someone without a thirst for power and money would make it to Pennsylvania Avenue.
Report Post »americaneagle
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:24pmInsurance companies are privately funded by their patients and are mandated legally to hold a certain amount of money to cover expenses. This amount is an estimated rate based on the amount of coverage and this variable is unpredictable given people get sick at different times. If insurance companies are forced to increase their liability and not allowed to increase their premiums with these new laws they will force all insurance companies out of business and we will have to pay cash for healthcare. The end goal is government healthcare but the money will run out and your care will be cut. The evidence is already showing up with a loss of services and this government takeover of our healthcare must be stopped.
Report Post »scootydoo
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:18pmWhat did these fools think was going to happen. I really have to laugh.
Report Post »Freelancer
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:09pmBy the way, what else is new here? This Bill was trotted out with the claim that it would reduce premium costs and etc…. I hope not everyone got screwed as bad as I did for 2011. My family premium went up by almost $120/month and my deductible for prescriptions went from $4.00 for generic and $20 for non-formulary to a base deductible of $4,300 a year then they pay 100% thereafter. This has forced me to stop taking several medicines that I need because I can’t afford them any longer. We have been forced to trim our medicine to only that which we need to actually survive. The other medicines that made life more comfortable and safe have been cut. I’m so glad that they fixed the system…. Now I can have an honest heart attack and live in constant pain. Happy days are here again!
Report Post »gamm392
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:24pmSometimes if you contact the drug maker they will work with you on payments.My daughter did this shes on a set income,and her husband has stage 4 colon cancer.They supply her each month, and somtimes they will put you on a test program. It might pay to look into it ,just a thought. The drug co.‘s aren’t as evil as obama want you to think.
Report Post »Freelancer
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:54pmI did call Lilly who manufactures one of the meds I have to get off of because it runs about $1,400 for a 30 day supply. While I have a wife and 19 month old and we make less than $60,000 combined (before taxes and insurance premiums) I don’t qualify for any assistance. But for some reason, I do qualify for a 50% reduction of my co-pays at the hospital. Figure that one out. I was also informed by letter earlier this year, that I am obligated to inform my insurance company if I receive a discount from a provider so that they can adjust my yearly deductible accordingly. THAT is a cheap shot!
Report Post »gamm392
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:08pmSo much for cutting cost. So much for “if you like your insurance you can keep it”.Basically the healyhcare bill is working just fine,causing all the insurance companys to fold up and give the big gov. a chance to please the rest of the liberals and socilalist a one payer system like what they wanted in the first. Now he wants to stop insurance from raising preimiums thru Cathlene Sebilieous.
Report Post »klstj
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:01pmThe new health care law is backing the insurance companies into a corner. We will begin seeing companies that are large enough to afford teams of lawyers start making these same sweeping decisions. Between upcoming tax increases and penalties for health insurance, smaller companies are going to be blindsided. The current administration will continue to use the decisions these companies are being forced to make as fodder against them. People will start waking up if these companies go public (all of them, not insurance companies) and explain to their employees as well as customers how this legislation will effect business and employment.
Report Post »Freelancer
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:00pmAnd one by one, the dominoes start to fall. Look for a threat to be issued shortly by HHS warning that if they try and blame the issue on the new and lovable health care bill, they will be locked out of the insurances exchanges and forced out of business. If you speak the truth about this administration, you run the risk of being put out of business. Hugo Chavez would be proud!
Report Post »v.o.t.e.
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 3:55pmShe already threatened the companies with that about a week ago
Report Post »Contrarianthinker
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:00pmNot all insurance xcomaonies will do this. Some will use a child’s only policy and a competitive advantage and leverage on that. For instance, if you have a spouse only policy with that company then you’re eligible for a child only policy. They could also say that there is a waiting period before policy goes into effect. IF you leave it free market, there will be some companies that respond in very creative and profitable ways.
Report Post »BrerRabbit
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:00pmIt will be Public Option or NO Option.
Report Post »bhodson
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:31pmAdd to that the use of the Nuclear Option to make it a No Option.
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:43pmGOP alternative bill for medical care. presented nov. 2009 & ignored by obama, house and senate. Please Pass around.
Report Post »http://blackburn.house.gov/UploadedFiles/GOP_Alternative.pdf
woodyb
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 11:12pmThe so-called ‘public option’ IS ‘NO OPTION’!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »Anonimouse
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 11:56amLiberal have a static worldview. They think they can simply make changes to things they don’t like and that everything else remains the same. This blows up in thier faces time after time, yet they always seem surprised. I guess they are.
Then they pout and take their ball and go home:
“Rome: “This offensive behavior by the insurance companies is yet another reminder of why the new law is so important and why the Republicans’ call for repeal is so misguided.” ”
It would all be laughable if it weren’t so darned serious.
Report Post »aprilp
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 11:55amDid Washington really think that by passing this health care bill that they could force the Insurance Co.’s to do what they want? Now the Insurance Co.’s are finding a way around Washingtons demands. Only Washington could make the Health Care System worse then it was before by passing this law.
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:40pmJust for your reference, this links to the pdf file of the republicans alternative to the monstrosity currently in law. Only 219 pgs. and seems like a viable alternative. This was presented in November 2009 and COMPLETELY ignored by Obama, the house and senate. Please pass it around!! LOL
Report Post »http://blackburn.house.gov/UploadedFiles/GOP_Alternative.pdf
broker0101
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 11:54amAnd the plan continues to operate AS DESIGNED. Insurance companies react to the ridiculous new regulations in a way that will allow themselves to stay in business (i.e. raise rates and drop coverage while they are still able) and Obama, et al, get to stand on high and proclaim, “The free-market has failed.” The only solution, will be, obviously, The Public “Option”. Anybody that doesn’t get this is either Brain-Dead or a Democrat (sorry for the redundancy).
Report Post »Vyger
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:26pmSo true and so sad that people aren’t willing to acknoledge what is actually happening. Kind of like how Japan dumped TV‘s and radio’s under cost for many years until the US manufactuers were gone because they didn’t have government backing to sell at a loss. Criminal corruption at the highest level.
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:36pmBroker, they get it. I think. I believe people just feel so overwhelmed by the medical takeover debacle because of the constant hammering at us that we’re stuck with it; it can’t be repealed, yada yada. OF COURSE IT CAN BE REPEALED!! Prohibition was an amendment to the Constitution (18th) and it was repealed. If the liberal stacked Supreme Court doesn’t rule by law that this monstrosity is unconstitutional, we will go for repeal and take it to the PEOPLE!!! Americans are no strangers to hard fought and hard won battles. Take heart! LOL
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 12:42pmrepublican alternative to health care bill presented november 2009 and ignored by obama, house and senate. Please pass around!
Report Post »http://blackburn.house.gov/UploadedFiles/GOP_Alternative.pdf
Compete or Lose
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 1:26pmIf the government cant operate something as simple as Amtrak or the US Postal service without huge taxpayer subsidies, how can anyone with any common sense at all believe the government can run one sixth of the US economy????
If we dont stop this pretty soon the potential to pernamently damage our economy is frightening.
Report Post »v.o.t.e.
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 3:47pmin my 60 years that moment when pelosi walked thru the teaparty crowd trying to incite an incident was the low point for me for our country– i lived thru the kennedy’s assasination– the race riots — the student uprising –nixon impeachment– iran hostage etc— never did i fear for my children’s freedom— but that day changed everything— allof a sudden glenn beck made sense– i realized that there was a real attempt to take over the government by progressives going on– when no incident occured –the left with help from the msm made one up— fabricated a racial incident– please cleanse our country of this evil== please vote
Report Post »