You may know that most children, teenagers and young adults can stay on a parent’s health insurance until they turn 26 years old. This is part of the reforms put in place by the Affordable Care Act. After they turn 26, most young adults have to get their own insurance coverage.
Nonetheless, some of these young adults can remain on their parents’ insurance after they turn 26. This exception usually only extends to adult children with certain disabilities, impairments or hardships. These young adults might not be able to otherwise obtain and maintain their own coverage.
Adult Children Who Can Stay on their Parents’ Plans
Americans with disabilities usually qualify for special consideration under the Affordable Care Act. This means that certain adults with disabilities may be able to stay on their parents’ insurance after their 26th birthday.
Young adults who qualify for exemptions to the cutoff are usually those with physical or mental disabilities. Such disabilities can make it difficult for these individuals to work or take care of themselves. As a result, these young adults may need ongoing or lifelong parental support. They could also benefit from ongoing medical insurance coverage.
Getting Coverage for Dependent Young Adults
Insurance and disability law is often a myriad of rules. Most states have different guidelines to determine if a dependent or disabled young adult can remain on their parents’ health insurance. Always check your state’s regulations and your insurance company’s policies before requesting an extension.
Usually, to maintain an adult child on their insurance, parents have to request a coverage extension from their insurance company. The insurer will then verify the child's qualifications to stay on a parent's coverage. Parents usually must make requests within a certain period after the child reaches the cutoff date. Even after the dependent young adult qualifies for continued coverage, some insurers may require that parents periodically resubmit or review the child’s qualifications to stay on their plan.
If a dependent young adult doesn’t qualify for an extended period on a parent’s policy, there are often other avenues for coverage. Many states and the federal government have programs and resources to help disabled individuals continue to receive medical care and insurance coverage. Social Security Disability, Medicare, Medicaid and a variety of other programs may help these children get the care they need.
Talk a Diamond Insurance Group agent today. We can help you find health insurance for you and your family. Call 903-891-4646 for a fast, free quote now.