Author Archive for Pam MacEwan

Selling health insurance to children under 19

By Pam MacEwan

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) announced yesterday that Regence intends to stop selling new policies for children under the age of 19, beginning October 1.

Group Health intends to continue to offer individual coverage to persons under the age of 19. We are currently working with the OIC, other carriers in the state, and the federal office of Health and Human Services on solutions that will work for Washington families. Continue reading ‘Selling health insurance to children under 19′

Published on September 29, 2010 in Access to care and Health Care Reform. 3 Comments Tags: , .

Group Health opposes repealing tax on candy and soda pop

By Pam MacEwan

The Group Health Board of Trustees recently took a position to oppose Initiative 1107 (I-1107), which would repeal taxes on certain non-essential items such as candy, gum, soda pop, and bottled water. The measure will appear on the November ballot and is in response to new tax laws that the Washington State Legislature passed in 2010.  Continue reading ‘Group Health opposes repealing tax on candy and soda pop’

Published on September 13, 2010 in Access to care and Health Care Reform. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Group Health Extends Dependent Coverage to Age 26

By Pam MacEwan

Group Health has announced that effective June 1 we will voluntarily extend eligibility for currently-enrolled adult dependent children until the age of 26. The new reform law requires dependent coverage be offered for unmarried and married dependents until the age of 26 for new and renewing plans beginning September 23, 2010. Group Health is taking this step early because we believe it provides the best continuity of care for our young members.

Continue reading ‘Group Health Extends Dependent Coverage to Age 26′

Published on May 10, 2010 in Access to care and Health Care Reform. 0 Comments Tags: , .