Health Benefits Advisor

Not Covered Under Parent's Group Health Plan on Last Day

If you were not covered by either parent's group health plan on the day before you became ineligible to be considered a dependent child under the plan terms, you do not have a right to COBRA continuation coverage.

However, there may be other options available that may assist you. You may be eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) or other health coverage.

In choosing among the options available to you, you should review the SPD (summary plan description) for each available group health plan to determine which plan best meets your needs. You should also review and compare the information on the other coverages for which you are eligible. In making your decision, you may want to consider such things as:

1. Any waiting period (or affiliation period) imposed under the plans;
2. Types of benefits offered (Is dependent coverage available? Do the benefits cover your family's medical needs?);
3. Cost of coverage (premiums, co-payment and deductibles for prescription drugs and doctor visits);
4. Limitations on coverage; and
5. Any exclusions from coverage (treatments, procedures, conditions or prescription drugs).

• Return to the Loss of Dependent Child Status Page
• Return to the Life and Work Events Page
• Return to the Employees and Their Families Page
• Return to the Information for Uninsured Persons Page
• Go to Department of Labor elaws Home Page