New Health Insurance Rules Are Now In Effect

Expanded health insurance rules take effect nationwide

By Meg Haskell
BDN Staff 

ORONO, Maine — From now on, young adults are covered by their parents’ health policies up until their 26th birthday. Children with pre-existing health conditions cannot be denied insurance. And coverage for preventive screenings such as mammogram and colonoscopy must be covered at 100 percent, without being subject to out-of-pocket co-payment or deductible requirements.

Thursday marked a milestone in national health reform, with several consumer protection provisions taking effect. Champions of the Obama administration’s Affordable Care Act gathered at the University of Maine to highlight the new provisions.

Tim McGuire, a recent graduate of Husson University and a member of the Maine People’s Alliance advocacy organization, said he is relieved to be able to retain his health care coverage through his parents’ policy.

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