In 2010 the extension of dependent coverage to age 26 went into effect, providing insurance coverage to more than 50,000 young adults in Colorado.
The health reform law contains a provision that requires private insurers to continue dependent coverage of children until age 26.
Under the law, a young adult can qualify for coverage even if he or she is:
- no longer living with a parent,
- not a dependent on a parent’s tax return, or
- no longer a student.
Both married and unmarried young adults can qualify for the dependent coverage extension, although coverage does not extend to a young adult’s spouse or children.
Young adults also cannot be charged more for coverage and must be offered the same benefits package as similar individuals who were already covered.