Private insurers can establish limited sign-up periods for a new kind of coverage available to children regardless of any medical problems, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department said Wednesday.
The announcement is a concession to insurers, who were concerned the new federal health law would permit parents to enroll their children while they were experiencing a health crisis, the Associated Press reported.
But the Obama administration says insurers can limit the sign-up for insurance to an "open enrollment" period. For example, the enrollment period may be December 1 to December 31 for plans that start January 1.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association said it's "extremely pleased" with the federal government's decision, the AP reported.