Young adults under the age of 26 can be on their parents’ health insurance.

One of the first federal health care reform provisions to affect Americans is the new requirement that health plans allow dependents to remain on their parents’ plans until they turn 26. We expect this will provide many young, uninsured Vermonters with health insurance coverage, since approximately 20 percent of the state’s 50,000 uninsured are aged 19-25.  You can qualify to remain on your parents’ coverage even if you…

• Are financially independent
• Are not a student
• Are married
• Are not living with the subscriber
• Are not living in Vermont

Though the new rule does not go into effect until plan renewals beginning October 1, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont decided to continue coverage through the summer for dependents under 26 that were covered by BCBSVT at the time PPACA (Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act) passed unless their employers asked us to do otherwise.

For more information, please contact your human resources department or visit the links below.  

• The White House on Dependent Coverage
  
• FAQs about extending coverage to dependents up to age 26
• Bill Summary - Dependent Coverage