Implementing and Improving Health Reform California Progress Report
: One prominent bill was AB 2244, by Assemblyman Mike Feuer (D). The bill, sponsored by Health Access on behalf of its coalition members, "phases in several key provisions for children," Feuer told the committee.The rollout of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed by President Obama on March 23 begins with children. Insurers will no longer be able to deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, and they will also have to rescind pre-existing condition exclusions for children already covered by their family policies.
AB 2244 goes beyond federal law in not just preventing denials, but limiting discriminatory charges for "pre-existing conditions" for children as well. The bill phases in "modified community rating" so that insurers are limited to charging plus or minus 20% for a child's health status. The price difference would be phased to plus or minus 10%, and then to no different charges allowed by 2014.
The bill had the support of the Congress of California Seniors, Consumers Union, the 100% Campaign, the California School Employees Association and others. Speaking out in opposition were the California Association of Health Plans and the California Association of Life and Heallth Insurance Companies, saying they believed AB 2244 was "premature."
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