Lifetime Health Care Caps End for 374,000 in Rhode Island

U.S. health officials say that 374,000 Rhode Island residents will no longer bump up against a lifetime limit on health care coverage because of a provision of the federal health care overhaul.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated this week that 105 million people nationwide had been on plans with the limits.

Some insurance companies impose annual and lifetime dollar limits on the benefits patients can receive while covered, and those with serious illnesses may be at risk of reaching them.

The administration says those whose coverage will no longer be capped in Rhode Island include 89,000 children.

Under the federal health care overhaul, lifetime limits on most benefits are prohibited in any policy issued or renewed on or after Sept. 23, 2010.