TOPICS
TOPICS
Legislation would keep kids in FEHBP longer
Democratic leaders announced on Tuesday that the final House health care reform package will include a provision requiring all insurance plans -- including the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program -- to cover dependents up to age 27.
FEHBP currently covers unmarried dependent children up to age 22.
Colleen Kelley, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, said in a statement that the provision would "positively impact" millions of young people who are uninsured after they turn 22. "At that point, many of them are just entering the job market and are faced with the prospect of a workplace position which fails to provide health insurance or earnings which don't support their ability to purchase it."
Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, D-Pa., announced the provision on Tuesday during a press conference with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. The provision is based on the Young Adult Health Care Coverage Act (H.R. 2831) that Dahlkemper introduced earlier this year, which requires health insurers to cover dependent children up to age 30.
"There is a clear and urgent need to provide health insurance coverage to our young adults," Dahlkemper said, noting that 31 percent of those between the ages of 19 and 29 do not have insurance -- the highest uninsured age group in the country.
Another bill, also introduced earlier this year, would raise the age limit specifically for FEHBP coverage to 25. It is currently before the House Oversight and Government Reform's federal workforce subcommittee.
NTEU said many states have similar laws requiring health care plans to cover care for dependents, with age limits ranging from 21 to 30.
The full health care reform bill, which incorporates three different versions approved by three House committees, has not been released yet by the House leadership.
COMMENTS
- I hope this legislation will pass. Many of our children are continuing their studies on "medical school" and this is a long career. It is enough stress that these students need to get a loan to study to include health insurance in order to survive. These kids are needed at our communities and why not financially helping them and their parents by providing FEHB extended health insurance as this legislation calls. Maria Richa Posted January 8, 2010 10:00 PM
- I really hope this is included. One of my sons is 21 and will "age-out" next August. Tried to get Kaiser (which we have had through FEHB for 15 years)-he was rejected-due to "pre-existing condition"! Insurance only wants to cover those without any health issues!! I need this for my son-he is going to school part time and working. I wish others would consider that not all children go through high school, and complete college and get a job(with health benefots) by the time they turn 21!! I think this is fair-cover children as long as they live at home-we need to get help and coverage NOW!! CAM Posted December 2, 2009 2:32 PM
- I hope this pasess very soon. My daughter turns 22 in November and will be a full-time student until May...plus, her chosen career does not usually come with health care coverage. I think 25 would be a good cut-off age. I also think that your premiums should be based on the number of family members enrolled...I should not have to pay the same amount for a family of four as the guy next door pays for his family of eight! gail Posted November 16, 2009 8:31 PM
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