Most Americans obtain their health insurance coverage through an employer group or government-sponsored plan, such as Medicare. However, a large number of people who do not qualify for either option are forced to purchase individual health insurance plans.

Such policies have faced increased scrutiny, particularly in light of healthcare reform. A recent investigation by the Committee on Energy and Commerce found that four large health insurance companies have denied coverage for more than 600,000 people based on medical history. Furthermore, most of those people have been denied coverage each year between 2007 and 2009.

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurers will no longer be able to deny coverage based solely on pre-existing conditions for adults by 2014. However, in September of this year insurers were prohibited from denying children coverage because of their medical history.

In light of the new regulation, a number of insurers decided to stop offering child-only health insurance policies. Such actions were seen in Colorado and Oregon. Some health officials have voiced opposition towards the insurers' actions, urging them to reconsider withdrawing child-only policies.

Those who have struggled to find affordable health insurance quotes because of a pre-existing condition, or have been denied coverage all together, are likely to be happy that insurers can no longer deny them coverage.

The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities is reminding consumers that with open enrollment taking place at many companies, they should carefully review their plans for any changes. With healthcare reform, many individuals who were previously unable to obtain coverage may be able to do so.

CTD executive director Dennis Borel says it's important for consumers to take an active role in ensuring they have adequate health insurance coverage.

"Asking the right questions can help you to save money on your plan," says Borel. "But more importantly, it can prevent unpleasant surprises regarding vital daily medications or the cost of future doctor visits."

The Kaiser Family Foundation says that while the exact definition of what is considered a pre-existing condition does vary between each state, generally speaking medical conditions which were identified prior to coverage beginning are considered pre-existing conditions.

It became illegal for health insurance companies to deny children coverage based on their medical history last month. The government is now reminding insurance companies they must be in compliance with new regulations.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius wrote a letter to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners reminding them of their legal obligation. .

"We have been working closely with the states in their role as insurance regulators and with insurance companies to find ways to improve access to coverage for America's families," says Sebelius.

The majority of health insurance providers haven't been happy about this specific provision of reform. Some have fought back by not offering health insurance quotes for child-only policies. In an article written earlier this year, The Christian Science Monitor noted that from a health insurer's perspective, the coverage is suppose to help protect people from future incidents, not current problems. The Monitor made a comparison to auto insurance, saying it was similar to a motorist asking for help with an already damaged vehicle.