WI Changes Dependent Definition

WISCONSIN CHANGES DEFINITION OF DEPENDENT

 

October 31, 2011

 

The state of Wisconsin has passed legislation that would largely change the state’s definition of dependent for insurance coverage purposes to more closely follow the new federal definition created by the Affordable Care Act. The state’s budget repair bill, which was signed on June 26, 2011, included a provision that would mandate dependent coverage to age 26 regardless of student, marital or tax status, reversing earlier state legislation that had extended dependent eligibility to the age of 27. The change is effective for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2012 (unless otherwise dictated by a collective bargaining agreement). 

 

One exception to the new law will still require coverage to be extended beyond age 26 if the dependent meets all of the following three requirements:

  • The child is a full-time student, regardless of age.
  • The child was called to federal active duty in the National Guard or in a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces while the child was attending (on a full-time basis) an institution of higher education.
  • The child was under the age of 27 years when called to federal active duty.

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