Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Can a child under 26 who is NOT in school be on their parents health plan

Can a child under 26 who is NOT in school be on their parents health plan?
As of September 23, 2010 regulations require that insures allow parents to keep their dependents on their policy until they they reach age 26 or until they have a job where the employer offers health insurance benefits. Does that mean a child under 26 who is NOT in school be on their parents health plan? I know if they are in school the can be till they are 25.
Insurance - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Actually, my insurance company threw my younger son off our policy when he turned 22, regardless of the fact that he would not graduate from college for another three months, so I don't know where you're getting the age 25 thing with that. The new law states that any child up to the age of 26 (which I assume includes 26) can remain on a parent's health care policy as a dependent. Where I work now, they told me sure, I could put my son on my policy--for $600/month. I'm going to check now to see if I can just get a family plan that would include him. He's now 24 and has had no health insurance since he turned 22 because his job does not provide it.
2 :
If you are on the plan now yes, if not you have to wait for open enrollment to join unless the plan allows it and most don't.
3 :
Before 9/23, the age limit was determined by company policy. After 9/23 - companies have to allow dependents on their parents insurance, at the next open enrollment period. Each company has to have open enrollment annually, so at the latest, it would be before next Sept 23. Additional information: - dependents can be covered until their 26th birthday. - they have to be single - they can't be eligible for insurance through their own employer - their parents have to allow them on the insurance - they don't need to be in school - they don't need to live with them Like the other person found out, if there is only one dependent being added on, it is usually cheaper for the dependent to get their own insurance.
4 :
Yes. There is no requirement for school. It is EXACTLY the same whether they're in school or not.
5 :
Can a child under 26 who is NOT in school be on their parents health plan? Yes. However, if you are not on your parent's insurance policy now you might have to wait until the anniversary of the policy before you can be added. Have your parents call the customer service number on the back of their ID card to find out how their insurer is complying with the new regulations.
6 :
Yes, as long as they don't "age off" the plan PRIOR to 09/23, they cannot be dropped. Even AFTER they "age off" the plan, they can be added back, during the next open enrollment. IF the parent wants to.

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