This bill amends Section 27-18-59 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-18 entitled "Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies" to require health benefit plans and group health insurance contracts to provide coverage for children, including children under guardianship, until the age of 26. It also prohibits health insurance carriers from denying or restricting coverage for a child based on financial dependency, residency, marital status, student status, employment, or eligibility for other coverage. The bill also specifies that the terms of coverage for dependent children cannot vary based on age, except for children who are 26 years of age or older. The bill also includes provisions for grandfathered health plans and specifies that certain types of insurance coverage are exempt from these requirements. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2024.

This bill aims to expand health insurance coverage for children by requiring insurers to provide coverage for children under guardianship and extending coverage until the age of 26. It also prohibits insurers from denying or restricting coverage based on various factors and ensures that the terms of coverage for dependent children do not vary based on age. The bill includes provisions for grandfathered health plans and exempts certain types of insurance coverage from these requirements. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
5539: 27-18-59