Priority Health voluntarily extends current dependent coverage to age 26

As you may be aware, part of the recent health care reform law extends dependent coverage to age 26. But the law takes effect in September — too late for this year's graduates. We have good news for members with current dependents who have not yet reached age 26: Priority Health is allowing these young adults who might otherwise lose their coverage to stay on their parents' health plans.

For our members' convenience, effective May 1, 2010, we're allowing these current dependents to keep their coverage regardless of their student status. All other benefits and rules of their current plans remain as they are.

Please note: This extension is only for currently covered dependents. Those dependents who have aged off their parents' policies prior to May 1 and lack coverage must wait until the first open enrollment of their parents' health plan after September 23, 2010.

This extension of coverage applies to fully funded group plans. Self-funded groups have the option to voluntarily extend coverage prior to when the law goes into effect as well, but since self-funded groups establish their own eligibility rules, they must make a decision on whether or not they will allow this extension of coverage.

How long can my child stay on my health plan?

Priority Health will extend coverage for current dependents (up to age 26) regardless of student status, who may otherwise be dropped from their parents' policies prior to the law's effective date in September.

Self-funded groups are not required to offer extended coverage early and are reviewing this option now. If you are under a self-funded plan you will need to check with your employer to see if they are considering offering this extension.

Can I add an adult child (up to age 26) to my policy now?

Your plan's current eligibility rules on adding a dependent still apply until the law goes into effect on or after September 23, 2010.

If my child was already taken off my health plan, are they eligible to be added to my health plan again?

Dependents under age 26 who have aged off their parents' policies prior to May 1 and lack coverage must wait until the first open enrollment of their parents' health plan after September 23, 2010, when the law goes into effect.

I received a notice that I need to provide proof that my child is a full-time student. Do I still need to do that?

No, not if you are covered by a fully funded Priority Health plan. Starting May 1, Priority Health will extend coverage for current dependents up to age 26 regardless of student status. However, employers who offer self-funded health plans are reviewing the option to extend coverage. If you are covered by a self-funded plan, you should still respond to the notice you received.

Will this impact my premium?

Keeping your child on your health plan during this period of coverage extension should not affect the premium for your current health plan. Your premium may change when the law goes into effect for your group.

Will my dependent's benefits change with this extension?

No. The benefits that your dependent enjoys today will remain unchanged during this period of coverage extension. The benefits may change when the law goes into effect for your group.

Can I remove my dependent?

Yes. You may remove a dependent from your coverage by filling out a Member Change form (121KB PDF). Fully funded groups may use the membership change process to remove dependents if they choose.