HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR ADULT CHILDREN

Act 4 of 2009 (Senate Bill 189) was signed into law by Governor Rendell on June 10, 2009.  This will expand health insurance coverage for children of insured parents up to age 30, under certain conditions, allowing them to remain covered by their parents’ health insurance.  Eligible children are unmarried, have no dependents, are residents of PA or enrolled as full time students and are not provided private insurance coverage or eligible for government benefits.

This will apply to renewals occurring 6 months after June 10th and, for groups that renew between July and December, at the next renewal.  The wording issued is that the coverage expansion occurs “at the discretion of the employer and does not preclude an increase in premiums related to covering children for these additional years.” 

As we receive more information, we will keep you informed as to how specific carriers will be meeting the requirements.