Dependent - Loss of Eligibility
Note: This information applies only to regular employees. If you are a graduate student, refer to the Grad Student - Dependent Loss of Eligibility Web page.
Health Plan
Children may be covered until age 26.
Contact your campus Benefits Office at least 30 days prior to the child's 26th birthday to ensure timely removal and adjustment of health premiums.
In the case of losses of coverage due to a dependent child ceasing to be a dependent under the terms of the plan, coverage may be continued for up to a total of 36 months through COBRA. Please refer to COBRA in the Benefits Handbook or Postdoctoral Employee Benefits Handbook for more information. Additionally, you may find more information in the “Continuation of Benefits” section of the Health Insurance Web pages.
Dental Plan
Children may be covered until age 26.
Contact your campus Benefits Office at least 30 days prior to the child's 26th birthday to ensure timely removal and adjustment of health premiums.
In the case of losses of coverage due to a dependent child ceasing to be a dependent under the terms of the plan, coverage may be continued for up to a total of 36 months through COBRA. Please refer to COBRA in the Benefits Handbook for more information. Additionally, you may find more information in the “Continuation of Benefits” section of the Dental Plan Web pages.
Vision Care Plan
Children may be covered until age 26.
Contact your campus Benefits Office at least 30 days prior to the child's 26th birthday to ensure timely removal and adjustment of health premiums.
In the case of losses of coverage due to a dependent child ceasing to be a dependent under the terms of the plan, coverage may be continued for up to a total of 36 months through COBRA.
Refer to COBRA in the Benefits Handbook for more information. Additionally, you may find more information in the “Continuation of Benefits” section of the Vision Plan Web pages.
Dependent Life Insurance
If you purchased Dependent Life Insurance for your dependent child, coverage continues for unmarried dependent children through age 26. Please contact your campus Benefits Office at least 30 days prior to your child's 26th birthday to ensure timely removal and adjustment of premiums (if applicable).
When the dependent child becomes ineligible, insurance may be continued through a portability provision. Contact your campus benefits office for more information.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Your child loses dependent status for purposes of medical expense reimbursements when he or she loses dependent status under your health insurance (see above).
Expenses can be reimbursed for the care of children through age 12 who reside in the employee's household, as well as adults or older children who are mentally or physically unable to care for themselves and who spend at least eight hours a day in the employee's household.
If you want to change your Health Care Flexible Spending Account contribution elections, contact WageWorks at 855-428-0446 to see whether the loss of dependent status qualifies as a status change.
You can also contact your campus benefits office for additional information.
Taxes
A change in family status may lead to a change in federal and/or state withholding exemptions. Contact your Payroll Department to change your withholding exemptions.