Effective immediately, UnitedHealthcare is working with client employers to extend healthcare coverage to graduating college students who are currently listed as dependents under their parents’ plans but may temporarily lose their coverage upon graduation in 2010. Because newly-enacted healthcare reform provisions to extend coverage to dependents under the age of 26 do not take effect until September 23, 2010, UHC is taking this proactive step to ensure this year’s graduating college students do not fall into a gap in coverage.

This offer to extend coverage applies only to students who currently are covered under their parents’ fully-insured group plans offered through UnitedHealthcare. UHC will work closely with all fully insured client employers to implement the extension of coverage and ensure these young adults have health coverage available to them. UHC will also work with self-funded clients to determine if they are going to offer this benefit to graduating seniors.

UHC has provided a Frequently Asked Questions document to help address issues about dependent eligibility and extension of coverage. Should you have any further questions, please contact our office at 919-403-1986.