How long can my child be insured as my dependent ?

by lucy77 » Mon Apr 20, 2009 05:08 pm
Posts: 21
Joined: 14 Apr 2009

How long can my child be insured as my dependent ? Is it as long as the child unmarried or before the child reach certain age ?

Total Comments: 30

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 04:33 am Post Subject:

Hi Lucy, I think that your query is more pertinent to the health insurance. Please clarify if its related to health insurance or life.

Rupert

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 04:56 am Post Subject:

How long can my child be insured as my dependent ? Is it as long as the child unmarried or before the child reach certain age ?



The policy lingo would vary widely with the providers in defining the status of 'dependant children'. However, most would allow you to keep your child under your policy till he attains adulthood. Some insurer would also continue the coverage as long as the child remains full-time student.

However, more clarification from your side would definitely help us in being precise with our answers. Hope you would follow up with this thread.

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 09:00 am Post Subject:

Hi,

Some insurer would also continue the coverage as long as the child remains full-time student.



Usually children are covered as 'dependents' under their parental policies that are provided through employers. Most of these policies wouldn't cover them once they have turned 19 unless they're enrolled in a full-time college course. These young people wouldn't fit into the criteria of applying for public programs e.g. Medicaid once they'd turn 19. Steven

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 12:57 pm Post Subject:

Q. What is the definition of an eligible family member for Option C?

A. Eligible family members for Option C, Family coverage include a spouse (including a valid common law marriage) and eligible dependent children. Eligible dependent children must be unmarried and under age 22, or if age 22 or over, incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability that existed before the child reached age 22.

Eligible dependent children include your natural children, adopted children, stepchildren (if they live with you in a regular parent-child relationship), recognized natural children and foster children (if they live with you in a regular parent-child relationship). Stillborn children are not covered.

If you have any questions about eligible family members, please consult your human resources office. That office is responsible for determining eligibility.



above information can also be seen on the following link.

http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/faq/faqs-2.asp

Thanks. :wink:

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 08:28 pm Post Subject:

amit, if i'm not mistaken that info and link is for federal employees... :? I don't see where Lucy asked about that...

Lucy what country/state are you in...and what 'type' of health coverage? private or group?

Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 11:19 pm Post Subject:

It depends on the insurance...but generally until they reach 18. However some insurance would allow them to stay on your policy depending on student status for longer.

Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 02:09 pm Post Subject:

Jeorge, then I hope by 'attaining adulthood' you're actually referring to his turning 19..am I right!

Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 03:18 pm Post Subject:

amit, if i'm not mistaken that info and link is for federal employees...



yes!! Lori!! it is applicable for federal employees.I hope that OP will give us more information about his query. :arrow:

Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:55 am Post Subject:

amit that is applicable ONLY for fed employees...other policy could very well read differently..policy that cover federal employees do NOT cover the rest of us.

I know my husbands group policy covered our daughter until she graduated from college as along as she maintained ''fulltime'' student status (and i had to PROVE that radomly about three times in that four years..12-15 hours i think) which made her about 22...however our son did not go to college the the last day of the month that he graduated from high school was his last day as a 'dependent' per the ins. contract, and he was without health ins (from his dad and i) from that point forward.

Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 05:49 pm Post Subject:

hello all,
I think it may vary depending on where you live, but most times it is until they are 18 or 19 years old. If you need more information, I suggest you check with your provider.

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