Amid the pomp and circumstance of college graduation season, the Connecticut insurance commissioner reminds grads’ proud parents that state and federal law allows their kids to stay covered on their health plans until age 26.
“While that son or daughter may be ready to leave the nest they don’t have to leave the safety net, particularly during uncertain economic times,” Commissioner Thomas B. Leonardi said Friday.
Connecticut was among the first states to provide access to health insurance for young adults, Leonardi said in a statement. In 2009, the state enacted a law that allowed parents to cover certain dependents up to age 26 on their health insurance.
Later, the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act expanded those protections for young adults.
Effective for plans years beginning on or after Sept. 23, 2010, dependents under 26 years of age can be covered on their parents’ plan regardless where the plan is issued or whether the plan is insured or self-insured.
For more information on the state and federal law call the Insurance Department’s Consumer Helpline at 800-203-3447 or read Health Care Reform FAQs.
