As many parents know, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) adult children can be covered under their parents' medical and prescription drug plans until age 26. This includes adult children even if they are married, live elsewhere, are employed, not a student or are financially independent.
Many parents do not realize, however, that dependent eligibility can be different for separate dental and/or vision plans. These plans may only cover dependent, unmarried children to age 19; however, full-time college students may be covered to age 23 or 25. Often the employer or plan sponsor will send a questionnaire to the employee to verify student status. If a dependent is no longer eligible for coverage, he/she will be offered the opportunity to continue under COBRA by paying up to 102 percent of the premium. The ACA marketplace, www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov, also offers dental products which may offer less costly alternatives for New York State residents. Other state marketplaces may have similar plans.
For more information, contact your employer or plan sponsor.