Dependents
The law requires that health plans cover adult children up to the age of 26, without regard to student, marital, or tax-dependent status. In addition, Penn State has expanded the dependent eligibility for dental and vision coverage. Although this additional expansion of coverage is not required, Penn State's intent is to have uniform eligibility guidelines for your convenience and to provide this important coverage to dependents. If your child is married, you are not able to add your child's spouse or any children they may have to your health care coverage.
We recommend the guidelines for your child's eligibility at their employer be carefully reviewed. You would want to ensure your child is eligible for coverage at a later date if they remain on Penn State's coverage. If your child enrolls in health care through their new employer, we recommend you remove them from your coverage at Penn State.
An eligible child is defined as follows:
- A natural child
- A step-child
- A same-sex domestic partner's child
- A legally adopted child
Child Turning 26 Years Old
Two months prior to your child's 26th birthday, you will receive a letter from the Employee Benefits Division. This letter will explain your option to continue coverage with COBRA insurance and what action to take if your child could be certified as a disabled dependent. The child's coverage will continue through the last day of the month in which they turn 26 years old. The Employee Benefits Division will automatically remove your child at the end of the month of their 26th birthday.
Disabled Dependent
If your dependent is certified as a disabled dependent for 2 years or less and still under the age of 26, the Employee Benefits Division will remove the disabled dependent status.
If you feel your dependent is still in a disabled status when their 26th birthday approaches, please contact the Employee Benefits Division for assistance in certifying your dependent as disabled.
If your dependent is certified for more than 2 years as a disabled dependent, the disabled status will be maintained by the Employee Benefits Division and it will be necessary for you to re-certify your dependent when the deadline approaches.
