What is a health insurance rider?

A health insurance rider is an amendment or add-on to a health insurance plan that provides additional benefits or coverage not already included in the plan. Riders are generally offered by insurance companies so that individuals can customize their coverage to better meet their specific needs. Riders can cover things such as maternity care, prescription drugs, mental health care, vision care, or even long-term care. In Washington, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) regulates health insurance riders and provides guidance on what kind of riders may be offered in the state. To be considered a valid health insurance rider, the coverage must be approved by the OIC. All riders must meet the requirements in the Affordable Care Act and Washington State legislation. Health insurance riders can provide customers with more choice and control when choosing a health insurance plan. However, riders can also be costly and may not be worth the extra cost. For this reason, it’s important to carefully consider all of your options before signing up for a health insurance rider.

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