Medical Insurance Blog

Changes To The Aetna Advantage Medical Insurance Plans

People who wish to apply for child-only coverage through Aetna Advantage Plans for Individuals, Families and the Self-Employed are out of luck.

Aetna Medical Insurance Company is no longer entertaining applications for this kind of coverage this year due to some issues with the new health care legislation. Consumers, however, are assured that there are reasonable alternatives that are available to them at this time.

Aetna's Reasons for the Change

Under the new law, insurance coverage for minors (persons under 19) is required, with no exclusions. This will undoubtedly drive premium prices to such high levels as to make it unaffordable for most people. Instead of this scenario, Aetna is phasing out their child-only coverage product in favor of more reasonable alternative medical insurance plans.

Not all Policy Holders are Affected

Those who have existing child-only coverage need not worry. Aetna will still honor their commitment to these customers. Only new applicants are affected by the change.

Implementation of the Change to Different States

Connecticut and Ohio residents will no longer be able to apply for Aetna child-only coverage beginning November 1, 2010. There is no date set yet for the implementation of the change in Maryland and Oklahoma.

Minors (aged 19 years and below) can still have medical insurance by being listed as a dependent in either parent’s medical insurance plan.

Aetna is hopeful that it will be possible to come up with a more affordable child-only medical insurance product within the next five years. The new child-only coverage will be compliant with the new health care legislation.