Obama administration allows insurers to limit sign-up period for guaranteed coverage

Health insurers win concession on kids’ coverage

WASHINGTON — The health insurance industry has won a concession from the Obama administration on insurance coverage for children.

The Health and Human Services Department said Wednesday that insurers can set limited sign-up periods for a new kind of guaranteed coverage that is available to children regardless of medical problems.

Insurers were concerned the new health care law would allow parents to sign their kids up in emergency rooms while the child is in the middle of a health crisis.

The administration now says insurers can limit the sign-up to an “open enrollment” period, for example, December 1 to December 31 for plans that start January 1.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association said it’s “extremely pleased” with the decision.