As a result of federal healthcare reform, individual plans have changed their guidelines for adding children under the age of 19.  They can now be added at the following times only:

1. Open Enrollment Periods:           
   1. March 15th – April 30th, 2011 (for a May 1st effective date)
   2. September 15th – October 31st, 2011 (for a November 1st effective date)
   3. November 15th – December 31, 2011 (for a January 1st effective date)
2. Special Exceptions:  there are certain exceptions that allow children to be enrolled anytime during the year.  Parents must apply within 31 days of the following events to get coverage:
   1. No longer qualifying for a state program.
   2. Loss of coverage due to divorce.
   3. Loss of employer-sponsored coverage.
   4. Moved and current plan is not available at your new home.
   5. Also, parents/guardians can apply year-round within 60 days of birth, adoption, or placement of a child for adoption.

Feel free to contact us with any questions!  This is a change to the system which previously allowed dependents to be added at anytime with the completion of a health questionnaire.

For additional information, please see the WA Insurance Commissioner site: http://www.insurance.wa.gov/consumers/health/enrolling-children.shtml.