Georgian insurance companies selling individual health policies across the US state will be required to offer "Child-Only" individual health coverage from next year, as part of an order signed by the Commissioner of Insurance of the state of Georgia, Ralph Hudgens.
Having an open enrollment period of 01 to 31 January 2013, the policy can be purchased by uninsured parents or by those who have had a qualifying event, such as loss of coverage due to job change.
Hudgens said: "To guarantee that children get the quality medical care they need, I encourage parents and guardians with uninsured children to consider purchasing this coverage."
A legal guardian, if they are insured by Medicare, can also purchase the healthcare plan, whose coverage for persons applying during the enrollment period, will start from 01 March 2012.
The insurers will have to provide guaranteed issue during this period even if a child possesses a pre-existing condition.
Children, who have had loss of coverage due to qualifying events after January 2013 may also be eligible for special enrollment.
"Child-Only" policies are established by Georgia Representative Alex Atwood-sponsored House Bill 1166, which aims to help parents with children under age 19 who are currently uncovered, and those who are not having access to creditable health insurance coverage.