Does the pre-existing condition exclusion apply to anyone under age 19?

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), group health plans may no longer apply pre-existing condition rules to enrollees under age 19. (Enrollees include employees, spouses or dependents.)

Pre-existing condition exclusions (consistent with HIPAA rules) may continue to apply for enrollees age 19 and older until the 2014 plan year. Beginning in 2014, plans may no longer apply pre-existing condition rules to anyone.

This provision is part of the health care reform law also known as PPACA. It is effective for plan years beginning Sept. 23, 2010.

To learn more about the pre-existing condition exclusion or health care reform, go to www.healthcare.gov or www.uhc.com/reform.

This communication is not intended as legal or tax advice. Please contact a competent legal or tax professional for personal advice on eligibility, tax treatment and restrictions. Federal and state laws and regulations are subject to change.