Health Care Reform: Group Of One

Group Of One
Two important changes are taking place with health insurance coverage:
"Group of one" coverage: Sole proprietors and other self-employed individuals, who until recently had to seek coverage in the individual insurance market, may now be able to qualify for small-group coverage. The 2010 Legislature passed Senate Bill 6538, which amended several sections of Washington State's insurance law, including amending and re-enacting RCW 48.43.035. The change took effect in late September.
Applicants must meet certain criteria in the legislation, including:
•        You must have been self-employed (or had the same small employer) for at least the last 12 months.
•        At least 75 percent of your income (51 percent if an agricultural business) must come from the same trade or business.
Small-group policies are available without a health screening. Most people who buy coverage in the individual market must pass a health screening.  Small-group policies also do not have the same limitations as the individual plans.
Open Enrollment Period for children's individual coverage from November 1 to December 15: As of September 23, 2010, when they renew, health plans cannot deny children coverage because of a pre-existing condition. However, states are allowed to create special enrollment periods for individual health plans.
Washington State's open-enrollment period for coverage beginning January 1, 2010 is November 1-December 15. During this time, parents can either buy a family plan or a child-only policy without submitting a health questionnaire for their children.