Children under 19 who already have serious medical problems, like asthma or childhood diabetes, can get insured. And the health plan must cover their health care, no matter when the problems started.

Adult children under 26 can stay on their parent’s insurance, even if they:

• Are in school,
• Are married,
• Don’t live with a parent, or
• Rely on their parents for money.

You may have to wait until the next “open enrollment” or renewal date to add them to your policy.

Adults who already have serious medical problems and who have not been insured for 6 months or more can get insurance through a new program called Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). PCIP pays for:

• Visits to primary care doctors and specialists.
• Hospital care, and
• Prescription drugs.