Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT) is providing the option of continuing coverage for adult dependents up to age 26 who are currently enrolled on their parents' health care policies.
“By allowing parents to extend health benefits to their children, this option will help eliminate the possibility of a gap in coverage prior to the implementation of federal health care reform provisions later this year”
The option of keeping adult dependents on their parents ' policies is effective immediately, providing uninterrupted coverage for thousands of spring college graduates and others who would have otherwise come off their parents' policies.
Health Net's action is in advance of the September 23, 2010 implementation of federal health care reform provisions allowing children up to age 26 to remain on their parents' polices.
Employers wishing to prevent a gap in coverage for qualifying dependents may contact their broker, consultant or Health Net representative. Parents with individual Health Net policies who want to keep their adult children on their policies may contact Health Net at the number listed on their Health Net identification cards.
"By allowing parents to extend health benefits to their children, this option will help eliminate the possibility of a gap in coverage prior to the implementation of federal health care reform provisions later this year," said Health Net Customer Care Officer Kathleen Richard.
The option of extending adult dependent coverage is available to those currently with "group" or "individual" coverage through a Health Net-affiliated plan.