The Department of Health and Human Services introduced new regulations that guarantee students enrolled in their college or university's health insurance would be covered under the consumer protections outlined by the Affordable Care Act by defining these plans as "individual health insurance coverage."

"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, college students will have more control over their health care," say HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "This rule would ensure that these plans remain a viable, affordable option for students while guaranteeing that they are regulated consistently and offer transparent benefits to students."

Under the proposed rules, there would be no lifetime limits on coverage, enrollees cannot be dropped because of a sickness or application mistake, and students under age 19 cannot be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.