By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
The House of Representatives recently passed its version of the Healthcare Reform bill (HR 3962). Parents and guardians of special needs children will most likely benefit from two aspects of the bill: health insurance companies would no longer be able to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, and the public insurance exchange option. Of course, the Senate still has to pass its own version of the bill, and the two bills will have to be blended together and voted on again – but so far the news looks good for children with special needs.
The pre-existing condition clause will doubtless help many children with special needs retain insurance coverage – which can be critical in getting them proper medical attention for their conditions. In the past, any time a parent left a job they would need to sign up for new insurance, and the new insurance company would be able to deny coverage for any medication, treatments, and doctor visits related to the special needs diagnosis, if the child was diagnosed before the new insurance was purchased. This can lead to poor services for the child in need and cause financial ruin for their parents as they try to get them the help they need.
The other benefit for special needs children is the most debated aspect of the new bill: the public option. A public option would work much like Medicare or Medicaid, offering a more affordable alternative that makes it possible for parents of special needs children, even those with low incomes, to attain coverage for that child.
Read more about the benefits of healthcare reform at Special needs kids’ parents should rejoice over health care bill’s passing.</a