Individual Health Insurance Option - Individual Health Insurance

Is putting older kids on your health plan the best option? USA Today

27.04.10

Under the federal health care law, any child younger than 26 can remain on a parent's plan, as long as the child doesn't have access to an employer-provided plan. The requirement will include self-funded plans.

This change could provide a huge benefit for young adults who graduate this spring and don't have a job, or end up working for an employer that doesn't provide health insurance. But some graduates may not be able to jump on their parents' plan right away.

The provision takes effect Sept. 23 — six months after enactment of the health care bill — but insurers aren't required to extend coverage until they start a new plan year, says Joanne Hustead, senior health compliance specialist with Segal Co.

For insurance plans that operate on a calendar year basis — the case for most plans — that means they can wait until Jan. 1.

Last week, however, WellPoint , UnitedHealthcare , Humana and Kaiser Permanente announced that they will extend coverage ahead of schedule. UnitedHealthcare and Humana will immediately allow young adults younger than 26 to remain on their parents' plans.

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