Can California Health Insurance Beat Childhood Obesity?

UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and the California Center for Public Health Advocacy released a report revealing that childhood obesity rates in California are decreasing. This shows that we're on the path to a healthier lifestyle. There is still hope for children to beat obesity and the diseases that typically accompany it.

This decrease can be attributed to the conscious effort of children cutting back on sweets and getting off the couch. The state even implemented laws to only sell milk, water or fruit and vegetable drinks in school. The laws also limit portion size and fat and sugar content of school lunches.

Despite this one percent decrease, California's childhood obesity rates remain dangerously high (38 percent), threatening the long-term health of children throughout the state.

Why Is Obesity Dangerous?

Overweight and obese children are at great risk for a lifetime of serious health problems such as diabetes, coronary disease or hypertension. If early medical intervention is made, it can result in better quality of life and reduced health care problems for children. Aside from the string of health problems associated with obesity, did you know that it can increase your California health insurance premiums?

California Health Insurance Undergoes Medical Underwriting

Even though insurance companies use a varied medical underwriting process, every California health insurance plan enrollee is screened for pre-existing conditions. And, believe it or not, obesity is considered a pre-existing condition. Consumers with pre-existing conditions can be charged higher premiums because they pose a higher medical risk or insurance companies may deny them health coverage.

Fortunately, this year marks the first time that children with health problems have guaranteed acceptance. The health care reform law doesn't allow health insurance companies to sell individual plans if they refuse to cover children based on their medical history. That's not the case for adults, though. Adults need to wait until 2014 before they can get healthcare despite having a pre-existing condition.

Even new California health insurance plans provide preventive care without having to pay for co-pays, co-insurance or deductibles. You can use this to your advantage to check your child's blood sugar level for diabetes and screen for other health conditions. Preventive care even includes doctor's counseling on weight loss and immunizations, geared to make you have a better quality of life. This can not only improve your child's health, but also, the cost of your premiums as well.

If you want the best advice, live a healthy lifestyle. You should eat balanced meals and shun away from too much sweets. Exercise also plays a role in trimming down your child's weight. Let them engage in sports activities rather than sit at home all day watching television. This change must not only come from outside forces, but must start within ourselves, whether you are young or old.