Effective September 1, 2009 the “Age 29” law, permits eligible young adults through the age of 29 to continue or obtain coverage through a parent’s group policy. Insurers will notify employees of this benefit. Employees or their eligible dependents may then elect the benefit and pay the premium, which cannot be more than 100% of the single premium rate. This benefit, referred to here as the “young adult option,” is separate and distinct from the “make-available” requirement. It is called the young adult option benefit because it permits eligible young adults to continue their coverage through a parent’s health insurance coverage once they reach the maximum age of dependency under the policy. Young adults may also elect this coverage when they newly meet the eligibility criteria, such as if they lose eligibility for group health insurance coverage.
