The deadline for parents to enroll their kids with pre-existing medical conditions in low-cost health insurance is Tuesday.
Federal and California laws now guarantee health care coverage for children. Insurance companies can’t deny coverage for kids who apply -- even those with pre-existing conditions. And they can’t overcharge, either. Premiums can’t be more than twice as high as those for healthy kids.
But the time to get the most affordable rates is running out. The open enrollment period ends March 1st. After that, the next opportunity to enroll without facing higher rates is the month your child was born.
So what happens if you don’t sign your kids up during open enrollment? They’ll still be covered, but most likely at a 20 percent surcharge for a full year.
