Dependent Health Coverage Information

Article
Read time: 6 minutes

Sec. 38a-497. (Formerly Sec. 38-174r). Termination of coverage of child, stepchild, or other dependent child in individual policies. Dental or vision coverage & Sec. 38a-512b. Termination of coverage of child, stepchild or other dependent child in group policies. Dental or vision coverage.

  • Health insurance policies providing dependent coverage in Connecticut must continue covering a child, stepchild, or other dependent child until at least the policy anniversary date after they turn 26 years old. This applies to both individual and group policies.
  • If the policy also includes dental or vision coverage, that coverage must also continue until the policy anniversary date after the child turns 26.
  • Stepchildren and other dependent children must receive the same coverage as biological children under these policies.
  • For health insurance policies provided by the state for its employees, including partnership plans, coverage for a dependent child will end either at the end of the calendar year when the child gets their own health insurance through a job or when the child turns 26, whichever happens first.
  • Coverage for disabled children can extend past 26 with proof of incapacitation and dependency (38a-515 & 38a-489).
  • Coverage for adopted children must be the same as other dependents (38a-508 & 38a-549).
  • Certain life changes do not affect your eligibility to stay on your parent’s plan until age 26, such as:
    • Getting married.Your job offers insurance.
    • No longer being claimed as a tax dependent.
    • Don’t live with your parents
    • School enrollment status

Resources:

Health Insurance Coverage For Children and Young Adults Under 26 | HealthCare.gov

Turning 26? What You Need to Know About the Marketplace (cms.gov)

Health Insurance