Obamacare: Ten tips for purchasers, Part II

In the second part of our three-part series on the ten tips for health insurance purchasers, we'll be exploring three changes to our nation's healthcare system that may or may not benefit you. Regardless of where you decide to shop for health insurance, it's important that you keep these facts in mind so you don't end up purchasing coverage you may not need. 

4. No more denials or cancellations due to health problems

Millions of Americans have been denied major medical coverage in the past due to pre-existing health conditions, and others have seen their coverage cancelled when they need care the most.  That will change on January 1, 2014.  For plans that start on or after that date, insurers will no longer be able to deny you coverage or cancel your coverage due to a health problem.

5. Medicare beneficiaries don’t need to do anything

If you are enrolled in Medicare, the law doesn’t require you to do anything.  Your coverage is intact.  However, you may want to consider supplemental policies to enhance your Medicare coverage and ensure ALL of your medical and prescription needs are covered.

6. Children can stay on their parent’s policy until age 26

If a plan covers children, they can be added or kept on the health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old.  Children can remain on their parent’s plan even if they are married, not living with or financially dependent on their parents, or are attending school.  However, if the covered child is living in another state or locale, you may be subject to higher co-pays for “out of network” care.